In order to achieve high linear density recording, a narrow transition width or small transition parameter, a, is imperative. Reducing the grain size improves transition jitter and also reduces the transition width. The correlation between transition width and transition jitter was examined. The observed discrepancy from simple, analytical expressions introduces more realistic magnetization transitions with island magnetization reversals. It was found that island reversals increase the transition width, rather than the transition jitter, which must be suppressed to attain high linear density. (C) 2008 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.