In a thin-film magnetic head, a lower magnetic pole layer and a planarizing magnetic layer in continuity with the lower magnetic layer are arranged. Since a coil formation surface is positioned lower than the top surface of the lower magnetic pole layer and the planarizing magnetic layer, the front end of an upper magnetic core layer is formed to be a predetermined track width with a high accuracy. A thin-film magnetic head having good information writing characteristics and a method for manufacturing the thin-film magnetic head are thus provided.