2.54mm Pin Headers and Female Header Sockets

2.54mm Pin Headers and Female Header Sockets

This collection covers 2.54mm (0.1-inch) PCB headers, socket strips and board spacers for prototyping, PCB interconnection and replaceable module interfaces. The current range includes single-, dual- and triple-row parts, straight and right-angle formats, through-hole and surface-mount terminations, breakaway strips, extended pins, stackable spacers, low-profile female headers and round-contact sockets.

The 2.54mm dimension is the center-to-center spacing between adjacent contacts. Pitch alone does not prove mating compatibility: row count, contact shape, pin cross-section, body height, insertion depth, orientation and termination style must also match.

Formats in This Collection

• Single-row male headers, commonly supplied as breakaway 1×40 strips or shorter cut lengths
• Dual-row male headers from compact 2×N sizes through 2×40 strips
• Selected triple-row 3×N male and female headers
• Straight and 90-degree right-angle through-hole headers
• Single- and dual-row SMT/SMD headers and sockets in selected layouts
• Low-profile female sockets with approximately 3.5mm or 5mm body options in selected listings
• Standard-height and taller female header strips, including stackable and PC/104-style options
• Round-hole female sockets and matching round male pins for IC, crystal, relay and transistor prototyping
• Long-pin board spacers and stack-through headers with multiple total-length and shoulder-length choices
• Selected male-and-female header pairs and assorted package quantities

How to Select a 2.54mm Header

1. Confirm 2.54mm center spacing. Mixed listings also contain 1.0mm, 1.27mm or 2.0mm options, so select 2.54mm explicitly.
2. Choose the row layout: 1×N, 2×N or 3×N. Total contact count alone can be ambiguous.
3. Choose male pin or female socket. For round-contact products, confirm the mating-pin diameter range rather than assuming they accept every square post.
4. Select vertical, right-angle or surface-mount termination to match the PCB footprint and enclosure clearance.
5. Check plastic-body height, total pin length, mating length and PCB-tail length. Labels such as L, A, B, C, PA, PC, PH, R1 and R2 identify dimensions that vary by listing.
6. Verify the exact position count and whether the strip is intended to be cut.
7. Confirm package quantity. Listings range from small strips or pairs to 10-, 20-, 50-, 100- and 300-piece packages.

Male Headers vs. Female Sockets

Male headers expose pins; female headers contain receptacle contacts. Equal 2.54mm pitch and equal circuit count are not enough to guarantee a reliable pair. Compare post size, receptacle geometry, mating length, body width, row spacing and polarization. Unshrouded headers normally provide no keying, latch or reverse-insertion protection.

Through-Hole, Right-Angle and SMT

Straight through-hole parts place the mating interface perpendicular to the PCB. Right-angle parts route it parallel to the board edge. SMT versions use surface pads and require the correct footprint, coplanarity and assembly process. Some listings offer mirrored or alternate SMT lead arrangements, identified as Type 1/Type 2 or R1/R2; these are not interchangeable without checking the land pattern.

Breakaway, Stackable and Board-Spacer Headers

Breakaway strips can be separated to the required circuit count, subject to the product construction and a clean cut. Stackable and board-spacer headers use extended pins or two insulator bodies to set board separation. Overall length does not by itself define the final mated height; check each segment above, between and below the insulator.

Application Boundaries

These parts are commonly used for development boards, breadboards, GPIO access, programming and test fixtures, PCB mezzanine links, display or sensor modules and internal equipment connections. References to Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PC/104, IDC or other platforms describe common search and layout contexts, not guaranteed electrical or mechanical compatibility with every board.

One listing in the collection is a DIP IC socket assortment rather than a breakaway header. It uses 2.54mm pin spacing but must be selected by DIP package width and pin count. Mixed-pitch listings must be ordered using their 2.54mm variant only.

Electrical, Material and Process Limits

No single collection-wide current, voltage, contact resistance, insulation resistance, temperature, mating-cycle, reflow, material, plating thickness, UL, RoHS or REACH specification is supported across all 72 products. Gold-colored, “gold plated,” “gold flash,” tin-plated and nickel-plated options appear in individual listings, but finish and thickness must be verified on the selected variant. Likewise, suitability for lead-free reflow cannot be inferred for every plastic body or through-hole product.

Determine operating limits from the exact part, PCB land pattern, conductor size, contact engagement, number of loaded circuits, ambient temperature and assembly process. Validate samples before production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2.54mm the same as 0.1 inch?
Yes. 2.54mm equals 0.100 inch and describes contact pitch.

Will any 2.54mm female header fit any 2.54mm male header?
No. Post size, receptacle design, row spacing, mating depth and body clearance must match.

Can every strip be cut to length?
No. Many unshrouded strips are breakaway, but SMT parts, multi-insulator spacers and some socket constructions may require the exact position count.

Are all headers rated at 3A and 250V?
No. Ratings vary with the exact construction and operating conditions.

Are Arduino or Raspberry Pi references a fit guarantee?
No. Confirm the board footprint, pin count, header height and required male/female orientation.

How should I order from a mixed-pitch listing?
Select the 2.54mm option and then verify row count, contact count, orientation, dimensions and package quantity.

Ordering Checklist

Confirm pitch, row count, positions per row, male or female contact, square or round contact geometry, straight/right-angle/SMT mounting, PCB footprint, body height, pin segment lengths, plating option, package quantity and required ratings. For mating pairs or stacked boards, compare both component drawings before ordering.