We get a lot of questions on the thickness of leather. I get it because it can be complicated, so we decided to put together something that would make it easier to understand and correct some of the misinformation we hear.
When you’re working with leather whether for bags, belts, wallets, or upholstery, knowing the right thickness makes all the difference. The challenge is that leather is measured in different ways: some tanneries use ounces, others use millimeters. If you’re new to leathercraft (or even experienced), converting between the two can feel confusing.
This guide breaks it down into simple terms so you know exactly what you’re working with.
Why Leather Is Measured in Ounces
Leather doesn’t come in neat sheets like fabric. It’s a natural material, and every hide has slight variations. Traditionally, in the U.S., leather thickness has been measured in ounces, where one ounce equals about 1/64 of an inch.
That means:
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1 oz ≈ 0.4 mm
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2 oz ≈ 0.8 mm
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3 oz ≈ 1.2 mm
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And so on.
So if you hear “6 oz leather,” you’re talking about leather that’s roughly 2.4 mm thick.
Leather Thickness Conversion Chart
Here’s a quick guide you can reference anytime:
| Ounces (oz) | Millimeters (mm) | Inches (approx) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 – 2 oz | 0.4 – 0.8 mm | 1/64 – 1/32" | Linings, book covers, small leather goods |
| 3 – 4 oz | 1.2 – 1.6 mm | 3/64 – 1/16" | Wallets, purses, small accessories |
| 5 – 6 oz | 2.0 – 2.4 mm | 5/64 – 3/32" | Bags, straps, sturdy covers |
| 7 – 8 oz | 2.8 – 3.2 mm | 7/64 – 1/8" | Belts, sheaths, saddle bags |
| 9 – 10 oz | 3.6 – 4.0 mm | 9/64 – 5/32" | Heavy belts, holsters, tack |
| 12 – 14 oz | 4.8 – 5.6 mm | 3/16 – 7/32" | Saddlery, armor, heavy-duty projects |
Keep in mind these numbers are approximate. Some suppliers give a range (like “5–6 oz”) because hides naturally taper.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Project
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Wallets & Cardholders → Stick with 2–4 oz (0.8–1.6 mm) so it folds easily and doesn’t bulk up.
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Handbags & Totes → 4–6 oz (1.6–2.4 mm) gives structure without being too heavy.
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Belts & Straps → 8–10 oz (3.2–4.0 mm) holds up best over time.
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Sheaths, Holsters, Saddles → 10 oz and up for maximum durability.
Tips for Working with Leather Thickness
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Skiving: If your leather is too thick, you can thin edges with a skiving knife or machine.
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Layering: Sometimes thinner leathers are laminated together for strength without the bulk of a single heavy hide.
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Test First: Before cutting a whole project, test how the thickness works with your tools (stitching irons, rivets, snaps).
Final Thoughts
Understanding leather thickness is key to picking the right material for your craft. Remember: ounces measure thickness, not weight. Once you get the hang of converting to millimeters, you’ll know exactly what to buy for your projects—whether you’re shopping from a U.S. supplier using ounces or a European supplier listing millimeters.
We've made this handy guide below. Keep it close and you will have an instant resource when needing to know the thickness/weight of leather.
