I understand that the 5 inches is measured from the tip of the "pinking". When I match it up with my blocks that I have cut (exactly 5 inches square) I am losing the fabric between each tip. When I'm sewing my (not always exact) 1/4 inch seam it's easy to have a seam that doesn't hold. I don't know if I am explaining this correctly. Anyway....no more pinked charms. I have some in my stash and will use them when I need 4 1/2 in squares.