When it comes to notebook size, many factors determine what the best choice is for you. Whether you’re taking notes in class or keeping a journal, having the right notebook size is key to success.
But notebook sizes aren’t always clearly labeled — even between different brands. To help you choose the perfect notebook, here are some common paper notebook dimensions in inches.
A5
The A5 notebook size is an international standard paper format and a popular choice for note-taking. Its compact dimensions make it a convenient option for carrying in bags, purses, or jacket pockets.
This notebook size is often used for bullet journaling, habit tracking, or short story writing. It is also available in a variety of binding styles and additional features, such as lined, dotted, or blank paper. A5 notebooks are available from many popular notebook brands. This allows you to find the notebook that best fits your needs and preferences.
A6
A6 notebooks are a versatile medium-sized option for all kinds of tasks. They can be used for business and personal applications, including notetaking, sketching, recording habits, or writing a short story.
In the United States, notebook sizes are based on ANSI standards rather than ISO. This means that notebooks may be named differently than in other countries, such as “letter” or “legal” size. However, many stationery manufacturers follow ISO 216 paper size standards, and the differences are generally minor. You can use this guide to compare different notebook sizes.
B5
B5 notebooks are a popular choice for writing and planning. They’re also great for jotting down notes or numbers. These notebooks are often used for travel journals and diaries.
They’re also a popular choice for students and teachers. They’re small enough to fit in a backpack without risking damage, and they offer plenty of room for writing and planning.
While ANSI sizes have become more common in North America, many Japanese brands still use their own sizing system. These sizing systems don’t always coincide with the ISO standards, so you may see slight variations in dimensions between different manufacturers.
C5
The C5 notebook size is a popular choice for students and professionals. It measures 148 mm by 210 mm and is commonly used in Japan and South Korea. It is also a good fit for many envelopes.
Paper and notebook sizes are often named using a series name followed by the size number. This can make them confusing to remember, especially when compared to other sizes.
Whether you’re taking notes at work or writing the next chapter in your sprawling historical epic, finding the right notebook can help you get the job done. Check out our list of recommended notebooks to find your perfect match.
C6
Notebooks come in different sizes to suit the needs of users. Some need soft-cover notebooks for school work, while others require hard-cover notebooks to enter records or data.
The smallest standardized notebook size is C6, which is also called the passport-size notebook because of its resemblance to an international passport. This notebook is small enough to fit in a pocket or pen case, making it easy to use while on the go. It is ideal for jotting down notes or making lists that can be transferred to larger notebooks when you are back at home.
D5
Whether you’re looking to quickly take down key details at a moment’s notice or hand-write a sprawling historical epic, having the right notebook size is important. Galen offers several standardized sizes in its Tomoe River Notebook lineup.
When it comes to notebook paper sizes, the names are often confusing. They’re often referred to by a series name followed by a number. This can lead to confusion when comparing products from different manufacturers. For example, Japan uses a “B” sizing that doesn’t coincide with standard A sizing.
E5
The E5 notebook is a great size for bullet journaling, planning, organizing, habit monitoring, short story writing, and sketching. It is also a good choice for notetaking in class or at work.
Whether you’re taking down quick details at the drop of a hat or hand-writing a sprawling historical epic from beginning to end, choosing the right notebook is critical. Understanding how notebook sizes compare can help you find the perfect one for your needs.
F5
Many people like the size of this notebook because it strikes a good balance between portability and freedom for writing and chronicling travel and other kinds of ephemera. It also has a narrow bezel that makes it look good, especially in leather.
Interestingly, though, this size doesn’t correspond to any of the ANSI-standard paper sizes, which tend to use letter and legal-sized measurements. It does, however, coincide with Japan’s “B” sizing, which is also used in the US. That’s why it is so popular. It’s a great choice for the business professional.
G5
Notebooks come in a variety of sizes, with different types designed for various purposes. For example, travelers’ notebooks are a bit different from field notes, and standard journal notebooks differ from bullet journals.
Size variations are important because they allow users to find the best notebook for their specific needs. For example, a record keeper might need a large notebook to write down many records, while a business person might prefer a smaller notebook. These variations are also useful because they allow users to choose from different styles and paper dimensions.
H5
Fittingly for its bold and brash title, many consider this standard everyday notebook the goldilocks of all paper sizes. It strikes a perfect balance between portability and freedom of expression that other standardized notebook sizes lack.
A smidge smaller than passport-sized and popularized by Field Notes, this pocket notebook is ideal for chronicling your journey at a moment’s notice. This size also fits nicely into pockets and pen cases. It also makes a great journal for jotting down notes on the go.