The present invention aims to provide a backdrilling method and a backdrilling apparatus that can ensure the backdrilling depth accuracy. Using a multilayer printed wiring board in which a reference depth detection region is allocated where a reference depth detection layer is formed in the same layer with an internal wiring layer electrically connected to a stub, the thickness and the depth of the reference depth detection layer are measured in the reference depth detection region using a drill bit. The drill bit is moved relative to the multilayer printed wiring board to a backdrilling portion. The drilling is performed using the drill bit to the depth which is calculated using the ratio of the depth of the reference depth detection layer to the thickness of the multilayer printed wiring board in the reference depth detection region.