One of the first confusing things in leathercraft is figuring out how thick your leather should be. Leather is measured in ounces — but no, that doesn’t mean weight in your hand. In leathercraft, an ounce is a measurement of thickness.
Choosing the right thickness can make or break your project. Too thin, and it won’t hold up. Too thick, and it might be hard to sew or fold. This guide breaks it down so you can match the right leather weight to the right job — with a handy chart and visual examples.
Leather Weight vs. Thickness
Leather thickness is often measured in ounces in the US and millimeters in most other countries.
Here’s the quick conversion:
That means a 4 oz leather is about 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick.
Complete Leather Weight & Thickness Chart
| Leather Weight (oz) |
Thickness (inches) |
Thickness (mm) |
Common Uses |
| 1–2 oz |
1/64" – 1/32" |
0.4 – 0.8 mm |
Lining, book covers, small inlays |
| 2–3 oz |
1/32" – 3/64" |
0.8 – 1.2 mm |
Wallet interiors, watch straps |
| 3–4 oz |
3/64" – 1/16" |
1.2 – 1.6 mm |
Wallet exteriors, small bags |
| 4–5 oz |
1/16" – 5/64" |
1.6 – 2.0 mm |
Clutch bags, notebook covers |
| 5–6 oz |
5/64" – 3/32" |
2.0 – 2.4 mm |
Satchels, medium belts |
| 6–7 oz |
3/32" – 7/64" |
2.4 – 2.8 mm |
Tool pouches, sturdy belts |
| 7–8 oz |
7/64" – 1/8" |
2.8 – 3.2 mm |
Heavy belts, holsters |
| 8–9 oz |
1/8" – 9/64" |
3.2 – 3.6 mm |
Saddlery, sheathes |
| 9–10 oz |
9/64" – 5/32" |
3.6 – 4.0 mm |
Harness work, heavy straps |
| 10+ oz |
5/32"+ |
4.0+ mm |
Armor, very heavy-duty gear |
Matching Leather Thickness to Your Project
Here’s a quick breakdown of what works best:
-
Thin leathers (1–3 oz) – Flexible, great for lining, watch straps, and wallet interiors.
-
Medium leathers (4–6 oz) – Perfect for wallets, bags, and small cases.
-
Thicker leathers (7–10 oz) – Best for belts, holsters, knife sheaths, and structured cases.
-
Extra-heavy (10+ oz) – For armor, saddles, and projects that need extreme durability.
Tip: For items with multiple layers (like a wallet or belt with lining), the combined thickness matters as much as the individual layer.
Why Thickness Matters
Choosing the wrong leather weight can lead to:
-
Stitches pulling through if it’s too thin.
-
Difficulty folding or sewing if it’s too thick.
-
A finished piece that doesn’t hold its shape over time.
By matching the leather thickness to the function of your project, you get something that not only looks good but also lasts for years.
