Notebook Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right One

By the Joybuy EditorsJuly 9, 2026

In an increasingly digital world, the classic notebook holds its own. Essential for capturing an idea, organising your day, or documenting a journey, it remains an irreplaceable companion. But with an overwhelming number of options on the market, how do you find the right one? This guide breaks down the key criteria—size, paper, and binding—to help you find the perfect match for your needs.

Key Factors in Choosing the Perfect Notebook

Before you buy, take a moment to consider these points. They will help you define your needs and find the perfect writing companion.

1. Size: A Matter of Portability and Space

First and foremost, the size of your notebook should match your lifestyle.

• Pocket-Sized (A6-style, ~9 x 14 cm): For those on the go. Lightweight and compact, they slip easily into a pocket or small bag. Ideal as a travel journal or for jotting down ideas on the fly.
• Mid-Sized (A5-style, ~13 x 21 cm): The best of both worlds. An A5 notebook offers a comfortable writing experience while remaining easy to carry. It's the quintessential all-rounder, favoured by students and professionals alike.
• Large Formats (A4-style, ~19 x 25 cm): For desk use. Designed for the office or home, they are perfect for taking notes in class, sketching, or creative projects that require more space.

2. Paper: Ruling and Weight

This is the heart of your notebook! The paper's quality and ruling directly impact your writing experience.

• The Ruling: A lined notebook is a timeless classic for text-based notes. A grid notebook offers more versatility, perfect for combining writing with diagrams and tables. Finally, plain or dotted pages are the preferred playground for creative minds and bullet journal enthusiasts.
• The Weight (Grammage): Expressed in gsm (grams per square metre), it measures the paper's thickness and opacity. A 70-80 gsm paper is a standard weight that works well with ballpoint pens. For fans of fountain pens or felt-tip markers, aim for at least 90 gsm to prevent ink from bleeding through and making the other side of the page unusable.

3. Cover and Binding: Durability and Practicality

A notebook's exterior is more than just a matter of style; it's what protects your valuable notes. A softcover notebook is lighter and more flexible for storage, while a hardcover provides maximum protection and serves as a stable writing surface in any situation. The binding (stitched, glued, or spiral) affects its durability and, crucially, its ability to lie perfectly flat for optimal writing comfort.

Recommended Notebook Picks

To help you decide, our editors have selected a few models that stand out from the crowd, each suited for a specific purpose.

Jubiluu A5 Softcover Notebooks - 3-Pack

Why It Stands Out: Excellent value for money. This notebook set is the ideal solution for organising your projects without breaking the bank. We appreciate its minimalist design and stitched binding, which ensures it lies perfectly flat—a real plus for daily productivity.

Pros:

• Versatile A5 size, perfect for carrying and note-taking.
• Set of three allows you to dedicate a notebook to each subject (work, personal, studies...).
• Lined 80 gsm cream-coloured paper that's easy on the eyes and smooth to write on.
• Softcover notebook with stitched binding offers a good balance of flexibility and durability.

Who Is It For? Students and professionals who juggle multiple projects, or anyone who likes to keep a stock of office supplies on hand. Perfect for separating work, studies, and a personal journal.

Moleskine Classic Pocket Grid Notebook

Why It Stands Out: It's an icon. The pocket-sized Moleskine notebook is the gold standard for adventurers and creatives, known for its durability and ultra-compact size. Its grid ruling makes it a tool that's equally suited for writing and quick sketches.

Pros:

• Pocket size (9 x 14 cm): Slips into absolutely any pocket or bag.
• Grid notebook for structured notes or diagrams.
• The details that make a difference: elastic closure, ribbon bookmark, and an expandable inner pocket.
• 192 pages of quality, acid-free paper.

Who Is It For? Travellers, creatives on the move, and any nomadic professional who needs to pull out their notebook at a moment's notice. A timeless travel journal.

Moleskine Classic Large Ruled Notebook - Sapphire Blue

Why It Stands Out: Elegance and space. This "Large" version of the Moleskine Classic combines a generous size with a stunning Sapphire Blue finish. It's the choice for those seeking a beautiful object without compromising on quality, backed by the reassurance of FSC-certified paper.

Pros:

• Large size (13 x 21 cm): The perfect balance between writing comfort and portability.
• Lined notebook on ivory-coloured, acid-free 70 gsm paper.
• 180° lie-flat opening for total writing comfort.
• Paper from sustainably managed forests (FSC certified).

Who Is It For? Those who like to settle in to write, whether for deep work, planning, or journaling. Its size is ideal for comprehensive meeting notes or as a high-quality personal journal.

Looking for Other Options?

Didn't find your perfect match? If lightness and flexibility are your top priorities, a softcover notebook is probably your best bet. Perfect for daily, on-the-go use, it adapts to all your needs (and fits in any bag!).

? Discover our entire collection of softcover notebooks

Frequently Asked Questions About Notebooks

What paper weight should I choose for my notebook?

For everyday use with a ballpoint or rollerball pen, a paper between 70 and 80 gsm is sufficient. However, if you're a fan of fountain pens or felt-tip markers, you should definitely opt for 90 gsm or higher. This is the only way to ensure ink doesn't bleed through, allowing you to use both sides of every page.

Lined or Grid: Which Notebook to Choose?

It all depends on your note-taking style. The lined notebook is ideal for pure writing, perfect for getting your thoughts down on paper. The grid notebook is the champion of versatility: it structures your writing while making it easy to create tables, lists, or diagrams. It's a favourite among technical users and fans of highly organised notes.

How do I care for my notebook?

A few simple steps are all it takes to preserve your writings. Keep your notebook away from moisture and direct sunlight to protect the paper and ink. Avoid bending it or overstuffing its inner pocket, as this can damage the binding. A detail that matters: the elastic closure is your best ally for protecting the pages during transport.