Two-Terminal SMD Land Pattern Calculator
Calculate a first-pass resistor or MLCC footprint from the exact component's body and termination limits: two copper pads, centre pitch, courtyard and solder-mask openings.
Method, formulas and references
How the land is calculated
This is a first-pass, two-terminal chip geometry using the Z/G/X land dimensions described by IPC-7351 and IPC-7352. It is not an IPC-certified footprint or a substitute for an exact part's recommended pattern. Enter minimum and maximum body length L and width W, and each end termination length T from the same datasheet.
The estimated inner termination spacing ranges from Smin = Lmin − 2Tmax to Smax = Lmax − 2Tmin. Independent component limits are combined conservatively. With fabrication allowance F, placement allowance P, and chosen toe, heel and side extensions JT, JH and JS:
Each copper pad is (Z − G)/2 long and X wide, with centre pitch (Z + G)/2. The courtyard encloses whichever is larger, the maximum body or copper envelope, with the entered excess on each side. Solder-mask openings expand each pad by the entered amount. Paste starts at 1:1 copper; the assembly process may require a different stencil aperture.
These root-sum-square allowances are design assumptions, not universal factory capabilities or joint goals. MLCC stress, tombstoning, solder volume, hand versus reflow assembly, and high-frequency pad discontinuities can change the pattern. Prefer the component manufacturer's recommended land and the assembler's stencil rules when available.
Data sources
- IPC-7351, Generic Requirements for Surface Mount Design and Land Pattern StandardComponent geometry, mounting conditions, tolerances and solder joints.
- IPC-7352 (2023), Generic Guideline for Land Pattern DesignComponent tolerancing, solder-joint analysis and courtyard determination.
- Murata, MLCC mounting methodsLand symmetry and solder volume affect mounting reliability.