{"id":23697,"date":"2026-04-13T16:52:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T08:52:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/?p=23697"},"modified":"2026-04-13T16:53:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T08:53:56","slug":"pcb-mounting-holes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are PCB Mounting Holes &amp; How to Design Them?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#What_Are_Mounting_Holes_in_PCB\" >What Are Mounting Holes in PCB?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#What_Size_Are_PCB_Mounting_Holes\" >What Size Are PCB Mounting Holes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#What_Is_the_Spacing_for_PCB_Mounting_Holes\" >What Is the Spacing for PCB Mounting Holes?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#Where_to_Place_Mounting_Holes_on_PCB\" >Where to Place Mounting Holes on PCB?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#Should_PCB_Mounting_Holes_Be_Grounded\" >Should PCB Mounting Holes Be Grounded?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#How_to_Drill_Mounting_Holes_in_PCB\" >How to Drill Mounting Holes in PCB?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#How_to_Make_Mounting_Holes_in_Common_PCB_Design_Tools\" >How to Make Mounting Holes in Common PCB Design Tools?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#How_to_Use_Vias_with_PCB_Mounting_Holes_Properly\" >How to Use Vias with PCB Mounting Holes Properly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/#FAQs_About_PCB_Mounting_Holes\" >FAQs About PCB Mounting Holes<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div class=\"yzp-no-index\"><\/div>\n<p>What are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" title=\"\"><strong>PCB mounting holes<\/strong> <\/a>and how do you design them correctly? These essential structural components secure your PCB to enclosures. Getting their design right avoids reworks and ensures durability. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" title=\"\">PCB mounting holes<\/a><\/strong>, including sizes, placement and tool usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-Mounting-Holes-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-Mounting-Holes-1.jpg\" alt=\"PCB Mounting Holes, https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" class=\"wp-image-23709\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:contain;width:800px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Mounting_Holes_in_PCB\"><\/span>What Are Mounting Holes in PCB?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" title=\"\">Mounting holes on PCB<\/a><\/strong> (also called mounting holes pcb) are non-conductive or conductive holes drilled into the PCB substrate for mechanical fastening. Unlike vias used for electrical connections between PCB layers, <strong>mounting holes primarily serve a structural purpose<\/strong>. They allow screws, bolts, or standoffs to secure the PCB to a chassis or enclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are two main types of mounting holes in PCB: <strong>Non-plated through holes (NPTH)<\/strong> for pure mechanical fastening and <strong>Plated through holes (PTH)<\/strong> that can double as grounding points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every PCB design requires carefully planned mounting holes. This includes consumer electronics and industrial control boards. Proper planning keeps the board stable during operation and prevents component damage or signal interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-Mounting-Holes-1.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-Mounting-Holes-1.png\" alt=\"PCB Mounting Holes, https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" class=\"wp-image-23715\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:contain;width:800px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Size_Are_PCB_Mounting_Holes\"><\/span>What Size Are PCB Mounting Holes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" title=\"\">PCB mounting hole size<\/a> is determined by the fastener (screw\/bolt) you plan to use<\/strong>. A general rule applies: <strong>the hole diameter should be 0.1\u20130.2mm larger than the fastener\u2019s nominal diameter<\/strong>. This accounts for manufacturing tolerances and ensures easy assembly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the wrong size causes problems. A too-small hole makes installation impossible, while a too-large hole leads to PCB wobble. Below is a detailed <strong>PCB mounting hole size chart<\/strong> for the most common fastener sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Fastener Size (Metric)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended PCB Mounting Hole Size (mm)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Recommended Pad Diameter (mm) (for Plated Holes)<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Common Application<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M2<\/td><td>2.1\u20132.2<\/td><td>4.0\u20134.5<\/td><td>Small consumer electronics (wearables, smartphones)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M2.5<\/td><td>2.6\u20132.7<\/td><td>4.5\u20135.0<\/td><td>Tablets, small IoT devices<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M3<\/td><td>3.1\u20133.2<\/td><td>5.0\u20136.0<\/td><td>Industrial PCBs, Arduino boards, power supplies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M4<\/td><td>4.2\u20134.3<\/td><td>6.5\u20137.0<\/td><td>Large industrial boards, automotive PCBs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>M5<\/td><td>5.2\u20135.3<\/td><td>8.0\u20138.5<\/td><td>Heavy-duty equipment, industrial control panels<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For non-standard fasteners, <strong>calculate the PCB mounting hole size by adding 0.1\u20130.2mm to the fastener\u2019s diameter<\/strong>. A 1.5mm screw requires a 1.6\u20131.7mm mounting hole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Confirm your PCB manufacturer\u2019s capabilities. Many factories have a minimum hole size limit, typically <strong>0.8mm for mechanical drilling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Spacing_for_PCB_Mounting_Holes\"><\/span>What Is the Spacing for PCB Mounting Holes?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PCB mounting hole spacing<\/strong> refers to the distance between the centers of two mounting holes. It must match the fastener spacing of your enclosure or bracket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintain consistent spacing<\/strong> between all holes when using multiple fasteners. This ensures even weight distribution across the PCB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ensure a minimum edge distance of 1.5\u20132mm<\/strong> between the hole edge and the PCB edge to prevent board cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Keep a 3mm minimum distance<\/strong> between mounting holes and components or high-speed traces to avoid interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For rectangular PCBs, space holes symmetrically along the board\u2019s edges. For circular PCBs, space holes evenly around the circumference, such as three holes spaced 120\u00b0 apart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use a ruler or design software to measure spacing accurately. Even a 0.1mm error can cause misalignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Place_Mounting_Holes_on_PCB\"><\/span>Where to Place Mounting Holes on PCB?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Knowing where to place mounting holes ensures PCB stability and avoids component damage. The golden rule is to <strong>place holes symmetrically around the PCB\u2019s center of mass<\/strong> for even weight distribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these 5 key guidelines for proper placement:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prioritize corner placement<\/strong>: Place mounting holes near the four corners of rectangular PCBs. This provides the best stability and prevents board flexing. Small PCBs (less than 50mm x 50mm) can use 2\u20133 holes instead of four.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid component interference<\/strong>: Keep holes 3mm away from surface-mount components, through-hole components and high-speed traces. This prevents damage during installation and avoids signal interference.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Align with mechanical structures<\/strong>: Match hole positions to the enclosure\u2019s fastener points. Use mechanical design files to confirm spacing and coordinates for a secure fit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Add extra holes for heavy components<\/strong>: If your PCB has heavy components like transformers, add additional mounting holes near these components to support their weight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain edge clearance<\/strong>: Keep holes 1.5\u20132mm away from the PCB edge to prevent the board from cracking during drilling or assembly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A standard Arduino PCB provides a practical example. Its four mounting holes are placed near the corners, aligned with standard brackets to keep the board stable while leaving space for components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_PCB_Mounting_Holes_Be_Grounded\"><\/span>Should PCB Mounting Holes Be Grounded?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PCB mounting holes do not need grounding in all cases<\/strong>. The decision depends on your application and electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use plated through holes (PTH) if you need to ground mounting holes. These connect to the PCB\u2019s ground plane and the enclosure via a conductive fastener, creating a Faraday cage to block external noise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use non-plated through holes (NPTH) for pure mechanical fastening. These do not connect to the ground net and avoid accidental short circuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Never connect grounded mounting holes to power nets. Always run a design rule check (DRC) to confirm correct ground connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Drill_Mounting_Holes_in_PCB\"><\/span>How to Drill Mounting Holes in PCB?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Drilling mounting holes requires precision to avoid board or component damage. Follow these sequential steps:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mark hole positions accurately<\/strong>: Use your PCB design file to print a template or mark positions directly on the PCB with a marker. Confirm coordinates match the enclosure\u2019s fastener points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure the PCB firmly<\/strong>: Clamp the PCB to a flat surface. Place a piece of scrap wood under the PCB to protect the drill bit and prevent board splintering.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Select the correct drill bit<\/strong>: Use a carbide-tipped drill bit matching your desired hole size. Use a micro drill bit for holes smaller than 1mm and a standard twist drill bit for larger holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Set the correct drilling speed<\/strong>: Use a drill press set to 10,000\u201315,000 RPM for FR-4 PCBs. Too slow a speed can bind the bit, while too fast can overheat the board.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Deburr holes after drilling<\/strong>: Use a deburring tool or sandpaper to remove sharp edges. This prevents wire or component damage during assembly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follow mass production guidelines<\/strong>: For large-scale production, provide manufacturers with a detailed drill file (e.g., Gerber file) to ensure consistent hole placement and size.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-Mounting-Holes-3.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-Mounting-Holes-3.jpg\" alt=\"PCB Mounting Holes, https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" class=\"wp-image-23720\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3\/2;object-fit:contain;width:797px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Make_Mounting_Holes_in_Common_PCB_Design_Tools\"><\/span>How to Make Mounting Holes in Common PCB Design Tools?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Creating mounting holes in popular PCB design tools is simple. Below are step-by-step guides for common tools, covering <strong>altium pcb mounting holes<\/strong>, <strong>kicad pcb mounting holes<\/strong>, <strong>cadence pcb designer mounting holes<\/strong>, <strong>solidworks pcb mounting holes<\/strong>, and <strong>ultiboard pcb mounting holes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Altium PCB (Altium PCB Mounting Holes)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open your PCB design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to \u201cPlace\u201d and select \u201cPad\u201d or use the shortcut <strong>P + P<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In pad properties, set \u201cLayer\u201d to <strong>\u201cMulti-Layer\u201d<\/strong> for plated holes or <strong>\u201cMechanical 1\u201d<\/strong> for non-plated holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set \u201cHole Size\u201d to your desired diameter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For plated holes, set \u201cPad Size\u201d to <strong>1.5\u20132x the hole size<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the pad at your desired position and repeat for additional holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For non-plated holes, set the pad\u2019s \u201cNet\u201d to<strong>\u201cNo Net\u201d<\/strong> to avoid DRC errors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>KiCad (KiCad PCB Mounting Holes)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open the PCB Editor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to \u201cPlace\u201d and select \u201cPad\u201d or use the shortcut <strong>P<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the pad dialog, select <strong>\u201cThrough Hole\u201d<\/strong> as the type.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enter the hole size and pad size (1.5x the hole size for plated holes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uncheck \u201cPlated\u201d for non-plated holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the pad at the desired coordinates and repeat for other holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use the <strong>\u201cMeasure\u201d tool<\/strong> to confirm spacing and edge clearance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cadence PCB Designer (Mounting Holes Cadence PCB Designer)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open your PCB design in Allegro (Cadence\u2019s PCB tool).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to \u201cPlace\u201d and select \u201cPad\u201d or use the shortcut <strong>P<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In the pad editor, set \u201cHole Type\u201d to <strong>\u201cThrough\u201d<\/strong> and enter the hole size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set \u201cPad Stack\u201d to <strong>\u201cPlated\u201d<\/strong> for grounded holes or <strong>\u201cNon-Plated\u201d<\/strong> for mechanical-only holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set the pad diameter to 1.5\u20132x the hole size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the pad using the <strong>\u201cGrid\u201d tool<\/strong> for precision and repeat as needed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connect plated holes to the ground net if required.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SolidWorks PCB (SolidWorks PCB Mounting Holes)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open your SolidWorks PCB design.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to \u201cPCB\u201d and select \u201cPlace\u201d then \u201cPad\u201d.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In pad properties, set \u201cLayer\u201d to <strong>\u201cMulti-Layer\u201d<\/strong> and enter the hole size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set \u201cPlated\u201d to <strong>\u201cYes\u201d<\/strong> for plated holes or <strong>\u201cNo\u201d<\/strong> for non-plated holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the pad at the desired position, aligning with your mechanical assembly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <strong>\u201cSmart Dimension\u201d<\/strong> to set spacing between holes and edge clearance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ultiboard (Ultiboard PCB Mounting Holes)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open your Ultiboard project.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Go to \u201cPlace\u201d and select \u201cPad\u201d or use the shortcut <strong>P<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In pad properties, set \u201cHole Size\u201d to your desired diameter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set \u201cPlated\u201d to <strong>\u201cTrue\u201d<\/strong> for plated holes or <strong>\u201cFalse\u201d<\/strong> for non-plated holes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set the pad diameter to 1.5x the hole size.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Place the pad using the <strong>\u201cSnap to Grid\u201d feature<\/strong> for accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save your design and run a DRC to check for errors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-mounting-holes-4.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/PCB-mounting-holes-4.png\" alt=\"PCB Mounting Holes, https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/pcb-mounting-holes\/\" class=\"wp-image-23724\" style=\"width:800px\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Use_Vias_with_PCB_Mounting_Holes_Properly\"><\/span>How to Use Vias with PCB Mounting Holes Properly?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>PCB mounting holes with vias<\/strong> improve grounding and mechanical strength. Vias are small conductive holes that connect the mounting hole\u2019s pad to inner ground planes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these steps to use vias with mounting holes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Choose the right via size: <\/strong>Use 0.3\u20130.5mm vias, compatible with most PCB manufacturers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Place vias symmetrically:<\/strong> Add 4\u20136 vias around the mounting hole\u2019s pad, spaced evenly at 90\u00b0 intervals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Connect vias to the ground net: <\/strong>Ensure all vias link to the PCB\u2019s ground plane, not power nets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maintain clearance:<\/strong> Keep vias 0.5mm away from the mounting hole edge to prevent drill bit damage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Vias with mounting holes are ideal for high-noise environments like industrial or automotive applications. They reduce EMI and distribute mechanical stress to prevent board cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_About_PCB_Mounting_Holes\"><\/span>FAQs About PCB Mounting Holes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q1: What is the standard PCB mounting hole size for M3 screws?<\/strong><br>A1: <strong>The standard PCB mounting hole size for M3 screws is 3.1\u20133.2mm. <\/strong>This size accounts for manufacturing tolerances and ensures a secure fit. Plated holes should use a 5.0\u20136.0mm pad diameter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q2: Where to place mounting holes on PCB for maximum stability?<\/strong><br>A2: <strong>Place mounting holes symmetrically near the PCB\u2019s four corners.<\/strong> This distributes weight evenly and prevents flexing. Smaller PCBs can use 2\u20133 holes near the center of mass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q3: Should consumer electronics PCB mounting holes be grounded?<\/strong><br>A3: <strong>Grounding is unnecessary for low-EMI consumer devices like basic wearables. <\/strong>Use non-plated holes (NPTH) for mechanical fastening. Ground plated holes (PTH) only for high-EMI devices like smartphones or IoT modules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q4: How to drill PCB mounting holes without damaging components?<\/strong><br>A4: <strong>Mark positions accurately, secure the PCB firmly, use a carbide-tipped drill bit, and drill at 10,000\u201315,000 RPM. <\/strong>Deburr holes after drilling and cover soldered components to avoid debris damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q5: Can I use vias with PCB mounting holes for better grounding?<\/strong><br>A5:<strong> Yes. <\/strong>Add 4\u20136 small vias (0.3\u20130.5mm) around the mounting hole\u2019s pad and connect them to the ground plane. This improves grounding and reduces EMI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q6: What is the minimum PCB mounting hole spacing?<\/strong><br>A6: <strong>The minimum center-to-center spacing is 5mm for standard FR-4 PCBs.<\/strong> Larger holes (\u22653mm) require 8\u201310mm spacing to maintain mechanical strength. Edge-to-hole distance should be at least 1.5mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Q7: How to make mounting holes in KiCad PCB Designer?<\/strong><br>A7: <strong>Open the PCB Editor, go to \u201cPlace\u201d then \u201cPad\u201d, select \u201cThrough Hole\u201d, enter the hole and pad size, uncheck \u201cPlated\u201d for NPTH, and place the pad at the desired position. Use the \u201cMeasure\u201d tool to confirm spacing.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What are PCB mounting holes and how do you design them correctly? These essential structural components secure your PCB to enclosures. Getting their design right avoids reworks and ensures durability. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about PCB mounting holes, including sizes, placement and tool usage. What Are Mounting Holes in PCB? [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33247,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[175,174,37,16],"tags":[5246,5243,5245,5244],"class_list":["post-23697","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-pcb","category-bestpcb","category-faq","category-pcb-technology","tag-pcb-mounting-hole-design","tag-pcb-mounting-hole-placement","tag-pcb-mounting-hole-size","tag-pcb-mounting-holes"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23697","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33247"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23697"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23697\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23727,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23697\/revisions\/23727"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23697"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23697"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bestpcbs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23697"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}