In the thin-film magnetic head of the present invention, the length of
each of a pinned layer and an antiferromagnetic layer in their contact
area in the depth direction from a surface facing a medium is longer than
the length of a free layer in the same direction. When the length of the
pinned layer in the depth direction is set longer as such, the direction
of magnetization of the pinned layer can be restrained from being tilted
by disturbances. Also, the pinned layer and the antiferromagnetic layer
have the same length in their contact area in the MR height direction, so
that the pinned layer is in contact with the antiferromagnetic layer
throughout its length in the MR height direction, thus raising the
exchange coupling force, whereby the inclination in the direction of
magnetization can be suppressed more effectively.