The particulate matter detection element is constituted of a laminated body including first and second electrode layers each having a plate-like shape and a thickness between 50 μm and 500 μm laminated on each other through an intermediate insulating layer having a plate-like shape and a thickness between 3 μm and 20 μm. A cross-sectional surface of the laminated body in the lamination direction is used as a detection surface of the particulate matter detection element.