The magnetic tape has a nonmagnetic layer containing nonmagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, and has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on the nonmagnetic layer, wherein the combined thickness of the magnetic layer and the nonmagnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.80 μm; and the logarithmic decrement as determined by a pendulum viscoelasticity test on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 0.050 and the coefficient of friction as measured on a base portion of the surface on the magnetic layer side is less than or equal to 0.35.