PURPOSE: To enhance the running stability and running durability of a magnetic recording medium with a back coat layer by regulating the concn. of urethane groups in polyester polyurethane resin in a binder in the magnetic recording medium.

CONSTITUTION: A magnetic layer 2 based on magnetic powder and a binder is formed on the front side of a nonmagnetic substrate 1 and a back coat layer 3 based on a binder and solid particles of an inorg. pigment, etc., is formed on the rear side of the substrate 1. Polyester polyurethane resin and polyvinyl acetal resin are used as the binder in the layer 3 and the concn. of urethane groups in the polyester polyurethane resin is regulated to ≥2.5mmol/g. The percentage of the polyester polyurethane resin in the binder is regulated to 20-80wt.% and that of the polyvinyl acetal resin to 80-20wt.%. The compatibility of the resins is improved, urethane groups do not cohere and satisfactory dispersibility and durability can be ensured for the back coat layer.