A multi-layered cylinder head gasket for positioning between a cylinder head and a cylinder block of an engine includes a spacer layer and a stopper layer. The stopper layer includes either a wave or rigid stopper positioned at a periphery of an aperture of the stopper layer. A sealing bead is positioned adjacent the stopper. Overall, the stopper layer has a generally uniform thickness. The spacer layer, however, has first and second thicknesses with the second thickness being generally less than the first thickness. The second thickness of the spacer layer mates with the stopper and sealing bead when the stopper layer and spacer layer are joined together. A transition area is positioned between the first and second thicknesses. The variable thickness of the spacer layer permits the gasket to provide generally equal sealing stresses while subjected to variable compression forces.