In the rod target for an arc evaporation source, of which the outer peripheral surface is used as an evaporation surface, the opposite ends thereof in the longitudinal direction thereof are each formed thicker than the central part thereof. The length of the thicker portion at each of the opposite ends in the longitudinal direction is set to be not less than 75 mm nor more than 200 mm. Work with a uniform film thickness is provided, and the availability of a rod target is improved, thereby preventing the rod target from going to waste.