Female header specification guide

Female Headers for Board-to-Board Connections: Buyer Specification Guide

Female headers are socket connectors that mate with pin headers in board-to-board, module and stackable PCB designs. Buyers should specify pitch, rows, positions, insulator height, contact depth, tail length, mounting style, mating pin size, plating and required board spacing before requesting a quote.

2.54mm vertical DIP female header connector product photo by Kirision — Representative Kirision connector image for specification review. Final structure is confirmed by drawing, sample or BOM details.

A female header is defined by socket depth, insulator height, tail style and the size of the mating pin it can accept. These details matter because board-to-board connections are usually controlled by final stack height.

If the female header is too low, the upper board may touch components. If it is too high, the assembly may not fit the enclosure. If the mating pin is too short, contact reliability can suffer even when the PCB footprint is correct.

Key specifications to confirm

Pitch	2.54mm, 2.00mm, 1.27mm or other pitch must match PCB footprint and mating header.
Rows and positions	Confirm 1xN, 2xN or total contact count.
Mounting style	Straight, right angle, SMT or through-hole controls assembly direction.
Insulator and stack height	Body height and final board-to-board distance should be reviewed together.
Mating pin size	Square pin size and insertion depth prevent loose fit or contact damage.
Tail length and plating	Tail length must suit board thickness; plating affects contact reliability and cost.

Common female header types

Common requests include 2.54mm single-row sockets, 2.54mm dual-row sockets, right-angle female headers, SMT female headers, through-hole female headers, elevated sockets and stackable headers.

Elevated and stackable female headers need extra checking because the real target is often the total board spacing after mating, not only the plastic body height.

RFQ checklist

Pitch, rows, positions and mounting style.
Insulator height, total body height and required board spacing.
Tail length, board thickness, mating pin size and insertion depth.
Contact plating, quantity, packing and repeat order requirements.
Drawing, sample, product photo or mating connector reference.

Send a connector RFQ

Send drawing, sample photo, BOM, STEP, DWG or PDF files. Kirision can review pitch, rows, positions, mounting style, height, tail length, mating connector, plating, quantity and export document requirements before quotation.

ISO 9001 quality management documentation can be provided for qualified RFQ projects. RoHS material compliance review is available on request when export projects require it.

Send RFQ

FAQ

What is the difference between a female header and a pin header?

A pin header has exposed male posts. A female header has socket contacts designed to receive those posts. Pitch, row layout, pin size and insertion depth must match.

Why is insulator height important?

Insulator height affects board spacing, insertion depth and component clearance. In stacked PCB assemblies, a small height mismatch can create mechanical interference.

Can female headers be customized?

Common custom options include body height, number of positions, tail length, plating, color and packing method. Custom dimensions should be confirmed by drawing or sample approval.

What should be checked before replacing an existing female header?

Check pitch, rows, positions, body height, tail length, mating pin size, mounting style and orientation. A side photo is useful for height and tail confirmation.

Recommended Kirision products for this guide

Use these product families as RFQ starting points. The final connector structure is confirmed by pitch, rows, positions, mounting style, height, tail length, plating, mating connector, drawing or sample details.