The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of cavity designs on the marginal leakage of class 5 glass ionomer restorations. The five cavity designs were as follows ; notch shape(A group), notch shape with groove(B group), combined lesion(C group), combined lesion with groove and deep chamfer margin(D group) and combined lesion with groove and shoulder(E group), and each design had 10 cavities. After the cavities were restored with GIC, they were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin solution for 6 hours. The specimens were washed thoroughly and sectioned longitudinally in a buccolingual direction through the center of the restorations. The degree of marginal leakage was measured as the extent of dye penetration under the stereoscope. The results of this study were as follows 1. The enamel margins of all groups showed lesser leakage than dentin/cementum margins(p<0.05). 2. The combined lesion(C group) showed more leakage than notch shape(A group), but there was no siginificant difference(p>0.05). 3. In the notch shape, there was no influence on the marginal leakage by the groove preparation. 4. In the combined lesion, marginal leakage was decreased by the groove preparation and marginal modification.