An R-T-B based permanent magnet includes main phase grains composed of R2T14B type compound. R is a rare earth element. T is iron group element(s) essentially including Fe or Fe and Co. B is boron. An average grain size of the main phase grains is 0.8 μm to 2.8 μm. The R-T-B based permanent magnet contains at least C and Ga in addition to R, T, and B. B is contained at 0.71 mass % to 0.86 mass %. C is contained at 0.13 mass % to 0.34 mass %. Ga is contained at 0.40 mass % to 1.80 mass %. A formula (1) of 0.14≦[C]/([B]+[C])≦0.30 is satisfied, where [B] is a B content represented by atom %, and [C] is a C content represented by atom %.