MAGNETIC ENCODER

A magnetic encoder is provided, in which a large output voltage (a large amplitude) is obtained so that the magnetic encoder can have a strong resistance to external noise and so that malfunction can be prevented. Each of first to fourth magnetoresistance elements A1, A2, A3, and A4 has at least a pinned layer, and a free layer in which an internal magnetization direction changes in accordance with external magnetic fields emitted by a magnetic body 11. A magnetization direction alpha of the pinned layer is set to be in a first direction (a direction Z2) that is parallel to an outer peripheral side surface 11A and that is perpendicular to rotation directions ra1-ra2, or is set to be in a second direction (a direction Z1) that is opposite to the first direction. Additionally, an initial magnetization direction beta of the free layer is set to be in the first direction (the direction Z2) or the second direction (the direction Z1). When a pitch of N and S poles adjacent to one another in the rotation direction is denoted by lambda, a pitch of the magnetoresistance elements A1, A2, A3, and A4 is set to a pitch of lambda/2.