Clairefontaine Rhodia Small-Square Notebook: How to Choose the Right Format for Writing, Drawing and Filing

A Clairefontaine Rhodia small-square notebook is just as useful for taking notes as it is for drawing tables, preparing a technical diagram or structuring a list. But not every model suits every purpose. Too large, and it quickly becomes cumbersome in your bag. Too small, and you soon run out of space for a lecture or a work file.

Before placing your order, three mistakes crop up time and again:

• Confusing small squares with Seyès ruling: with their 5 × 5 mm grid, squared notebooks are perfect for graphs, tables and precise diagrams. Seyès ruling, recognisable by its wider line spacing and vertical margin, is still more closely associated with school exercises.
• Underestimating the actual size: an A4 notepad measures roughly 21 × 29.7 cm, while some models close to A4 reach 21 × 31.8 cm. A few centimetres can make all the difference in a folder or ring binder.
• Relying only on the number of sheets: 80 micro-perforated, detachable sheets are not the same as a stitched notebook with 192 pages. You also need to consider the binding, the spine and how you plan to file your notes.

The criteria to check before you buy

1. The ruling: 5 × 5 mm or Seyès

The 5 × 5 mm small-square notebook is particularly versatile. Its fine grid lets you:

• draw plans and flowcharts;
• align figures and build tables;
• take structured notes;
• sketch to an approximate scale;
• organise lists in several columns.

For primary school homework or handwriting exercises, a Seyès notebook will often be more suitable. Depending on the model, its ruling includes specific line spacing and a red margin. So don't automatically replace it with a small-square pad.

2. Size and capacity

With dimensions of 14.8 × 21 cm, an A5 notebook slips easily into your bag and works well for meetings, travel and everyday note-taking. The A4 format offers more space for diagrams, reports and technical documents.

The number of pages should mainly be assessed according to how you'll use it:

• 50 to 80 sheets: a notepad for occasional notes or pages you intend to tear out;
• 96 pages: a school notebook for one subject or project;
• 192 pages and above: a notebook for regular tracking, a work journal or a file you want to keep long-term.

Also remember to check for micro-perforated sheets. They tear out more easily, but a removed page isn't always as sturdy as one held in the binding.

3. Paper, spine and filing

Clairefontaine 80 gsm paper is fine for everyday writing with a pen, pencil and certain felt-tips. Some ranges also use 90 gsm paper, which is thicker and feels nicer to the touch. The weight is an objective measure, but it doesn't guarantee zero show-through with every ink.

A rigid cardboard back is handy for writing without a table – on the train, for instance, or out in the field. To file your notes, look for a 4-hole notebook or sheets that are already punched. The spacing of the holes must match your ring binder: a punched product isn't automatically compatible with every filing system.

Our selection by your profile

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners

Clairefontaine Rhodia orange notepad N°18, 21 × 29.7 cm, 80 sheets, 5 × 5 mm small squares

Why this choice suits this profile: Its A4 format and rigid back make it a versatile pad for lectures, lists and diagrams, whether you're a student or a private individual.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 80 gsm weight, 5 × 5 mm ruling and 80 micro-perforated sheets are clearly stated. This stops you accidentally picking a Seyès notebook.

Main advantage and key features

80 sheets, 80 gsm PEFC-certified paper according to the product sheet, and a rigid cardboard back.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts

Clairefontaine Nomaddict Age Bag, softcover A5 notebook, 14.8 × 21 cm, 192 pages, small squares

Why this choice suits this profile: This notebook follows you easily on the move, for daily note-taking and creative projects, without the bulk of an A4 pad.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The A5 format is clearly stated, and the soft cover with a textile spine sets it apart from a pad designed to be filed flat.

Main advantage and key features

192 pages, Vélin Velouté 90 gsm paper and a cover dyed through to the core, according to the product information.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users

Clairefontaine Rhodia black N°20, 21 × 31.8 cm, 80 sheets, 5 × 5 mm small squares, 4 holes

Why this choice suits this profile: Architects, engineers, teachers and other professionals can move from note-taking to archiving thanks to the detachable, perforated sheets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 4 holes are clearly mentioned on the product sheet, which reduces the risk of choosing a squared pad that won't fit in your ring binder.

Main advantage and key features

80 micro-perforated sheets, 5 × 5 mm ruling, 80 gsm paper and a rigid cardboard back.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a small-square notebook and a Seyès notebook?

The small-square notebook typically uses a 5 × 5 mm grid, ideal for diagrams, tables and calculations. The Seyès notebook has school-style line spacing and a vertical margin, making it more suited to handwriting and presentation exercises.

How long can you keep a Rhodia notepad?

It all depends on how often you use it, the type of binding and the storage conditions. A pad with detachable sheets might be used up in a few weeks, whereas a stitched 192-page notebook is more likely to accompany a long-term project. Keep it away from damp and avoid squashing it under a pile of things in your bag.

Can the 21 × 31.8 cm format replace A4?

It's close, but it's slightly taller. Before slipping it into a folder, divider or ring binder, measure the space available. For perfect compatibility with A4 documents, the 21 × 29.7 cm format remains the safest choice.