What's the difference between a 5-inch and 6-inch random orbital sander?

A 6-inch pad covers roughly 40% more surface area than a 5-inch pad, which speeds up stock removal on large panels. Reviewers in r/woodworking note that 5-inch sanders are easier to control one-handed and have far cheaper, more widely available sanding discs, making them the better default for general DIY and furniture work. 6-inch tools shine for auto-body, big tabletops, and floor refinishing.