Hi Max,
I think that you may have been misinformed about the size of a leather hide / Skin.
In ebay's Reviews and Guides you will find a diagram and the following text which may help
The Subdivisions of Leather or Parts of the Hide.
Leathercraft terms
Buying leather can be much easier if you understand what the different types of leather are used for, how different leathers are tanned and how skins are sold. If you still have questions, please contact us thru our ebay store zelikovitzleathers.
Zelikovitz Leathers Ebay store
Back – A side with the belly cut off, usually 15 – 18 sq. ft.
Belly – The lower part of a side, usually 4 – 8 sq. ft.
Kip – The skin of a large calf, usually 9 – 17 sq. ft.
Split – This refers to the undersection of a piece of leather that has been split into two or more thicknesses. Splits are usually embossed with a design and finished or sueded.
Suede Split – Leather that has been sanded to produce a nap.
Grain – The epidermis or outer layer of animal skins.
Full Grain – Leather that is just as it was when taken off the animal. Only the hair has been removed and the grain or epidermis is left on.
Note: Only full grain, vegetable tanned leather will absorb water and tool correctly. All leather carving and tooling must be done on full grain leather.
Top Grain – Top grain leather has often been sanded to remove scars and then sprayed or pasted to "cover up" the work. Top grain is not the same as "Full Grain" leather.
Best Wishes
Frank
