Notebook Sizes & Types: The Complete Journal Buyer’s Guide
Notebook Sizes & Types: The Complete Journal Buyer’s Guide
Quick, friendly guide to pick the right notebook for your needs — sizes, what they feel like in the hand, and where to get them at Plainline.
Common sizes
A4
210 × 297 mm — great for full-page notes, layouts
B5
176 × 250 mm — a middle ground between A4 and A5
Composition / College ruled
~190 × 240 mm — classic US composition style
To scale · subtle page texture applied
How to choose
Purpose (tap to open)
If you take long-form notes or sketch, A4 or B5 gives room. For daily journals and easy carry, A5 or composition is better. Think where it will live — bag, desk, or shelf.
Portability & feel (paper weight matters)
Heavier paper (80–120 gsm) feels nicer and reduces bleed. Softcover = lighter; hardcover = durable and better for long-term notes.
Binding & layout
Lay-flat binding is best for writing across the spread. Ruling (lined, dotted, plain) affects how you use the page — dotted for bullet journals, lined for notes, plain for sketches.
Paper types & ruling
- Dotted: flexible layout for both writing & drawing.
- Lined (college/ruled): best for structured notes — our composition notebooks use this.
- Plain: ideal for sketching and freeform ideas.
Tip: if you use ink pens a lot, choose 100 gsm+ paper to prevent show-through.
Want a printable size cheat-sheet?
Use the print button above to print just the sizes and tips.