Yes: stacking neodymium magnets north to south makes them stronger, because the stack acts almost like one thicker magnet. The gain shrinks as the stack grows: in our supplier data a 10 x 10 mm (0.39 x 0.39 in) disc pulls approx. 4.9 kg (10.8 lb), not twice the approx. 3.1 kg (6.8 lb) of a 10 x 5 mm (0.39 x 0.20 in) disc.
Does stacking magnets make them stronger?
Yes, as long as the magnets attract each other and line up. Two axially magnetised discs that snap together face to face behave almost like a single disc of the combined thickness. The coating layers between them leave a little less magnet material than in one solid piece, so a single magnet of the same total size is slightly stronger. See how to find the north pole of a magnet for axial and diametrical magnets.
How much stronger is a thicker magnet?
The table shows supplier pull forces for discs of the same diameter and grade (N48), measured straight off a thick, flat steel plate. A stack of thin discs gives roughly the value of the single disc with the same total thickness.
| Product | Size, grade | Pull force (kg) | Pull force (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 10 x 1 mm | 10 x 1 mm (0.39 x 0.04 in), N48 | approx. 0.24 | 0.5 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 10 x 2 mm | 10 x 2 mm (0.39 x 0.08 in), N48 | approx. 0.85 | 1.9 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 10 x 3 mm N48 | 10 x 3 mm (0.39 x 0.12 in), N48 | approx. 1.6 | 3.5 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 10 x 4 mm N48, Nickel-Plated | 10 x 4 mm (0.39 x 0.16 in), N48 | approx. 2.4 | 5.3 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 10 x 5 mm N48 | 10 x 5 mm (0.39 x 0.20 in), N48 | approx. 3.1 | 6.8 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 10 x 10 mm N48 | 10 x 10 mm (0.39 x 0.39 in), N48 | approx. 4.9 | 10.8 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 20 x 2 mm | 20 x 2 mm (0.79 x 0.08 in), N48 | approx. 0.95 | 2.1 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 20 x 5 mm, Nickel-Plated | 20 x 5 mm (0.79 x 0.20 in), N48 | approx. 4.9 | 10.8 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 20 x 10 mm, Nickel-Plated | 20 x 10 mm (0.79 x 0.39 in), N48 | approx. 12 | 26.5 |
| Neodymium Disc Magnet 20 x 15 mm N48 | 20 x 15 mm (0.79 x 0.59 in), N48 | approx. 17 | 37.5 |
Browse all disc magnets or look up a size in our pull force chart.
Why does stacking give diminishing returns?
Pull force is measured against the steel at one face. Each magnet you add sits further from that steel, so it adds less than the one before. For thin discs, extra thickness helps a lot; once a stack is about as tall as it is wide, adding more height changes little, and a wider magnet is the better upgrade. In the table, going from 20 x 10 mm (0.79 x 0.39 in) to 20 x 15 mm (0.79 x 0.59 in) adds far less than going from 20 x 2 mm (0.79 x 0.08 in) to 20 x 5 mm (0.79 x 0.20 in).
Stack or buy one bigger magnet?
| Option | Advantage | Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Stack of thin magnets | Use magnets you already have; adjust strength step by step | Slightly weaker than one solid piece; the stack can split under load or slide apart sideways |
| One thicker magnet | Highest pull for the size; one part to mount | Fixed strength; you need the exact size |
| One wider magnet | More pull once a stack is already tall | Needs a larger pocket or surface |
How do I stack magnets the right way?
- Let the magnets attract: north of one against south of the next. Forcing like poles together pushes them apart and weakens the field at the face.
- Slide each new magnet on from the side instead of letting it snap on: neodymium is brittle and can chip.
- Keep the stack straight, and glue or hold it in a pocket if it carries a load; see how to glue neodymium magnets.
- Test with the real load and the real steel: thin steel, paint or a gap lowers the hold for any stack.
Do side-by-side magnets add up?
Not fully. Magnets placed next to each other interact, so the total is usually less than the listed pull forces added together, and it depends on spacing and pole direction. If you need a fixed value, use one larger magnet or a pot magnet, and test the complete setup.
Related guides
Need help choosing? Compare our disc magnets and block magnets, or contact us with the load and the space you have. For larger quantities or a size, grade or coating we don't list, ask us about a custom specification.
Safety: strong magnets can pinch fingers and skin, and can chip or shatter if they snap together. Keep them away from pacemakers and other medical implants. Our products are not toys: keep small magnets out of the reach of children. See our magnet safety page.
Questions and answers
Does stacking magnets make them stronger?
Yes. Magnets stacked north to south act almost like one thicker magnet, so the stack pulls harder than a single magnet. The gain gets smaller with each magnet you add.
If I stack two magnets, is the pull force doubled?
Not reliably. Thin magnets can gain a lot, but the thicker the stack, the less each extra magnet adds. Compare the listed pull force of a single magnet with the total thickness.
Is one thick magnet stronger than a stack of thin ones?
Slightly. The coating layers inside a stack leave a little less magnet material, and a stack can split or slide apart under load, so one solid magnet of the same size is the better choice when it is available.
When does stacking stop helping?
Once the stack is about as tall as it is wide, extra height adds little. Choose a wider magnet instead.
Can I stack magnets with the same poles together?
No. Like poles repel, so the magnets push apart and weaken each other at the face. Let them attract north to south.