In a write element of a thin film magnetic head, a second pole portion has a reduced width in the medium-facing surface side. A first pole portion includes a trimmed portion in such a position that the trimmed portion faces the second pole portion in the medium-facing surface side, and the trimmed portion has a reduced width to fit the second pole portion. The first pole portion includes an extending portion that extends so as to cover one surface of a coil facing the second pole portion. To manufacture the thin film magnetic head, a part which the first pole portion is composed of is formed so that the part extends to cover the upper surface of the coil, and the first pole portion is trimmed so as to have a width fitting the second pole portion.