Notebook Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Size for You

Whether you're taking class notes, organising your thoughts at the office, or simply jotting down your ideas, choosing the right notebook is more important than it seems. Faced with a multitude of sizes, paper types, and covers, it's easy to feel lost. Our guide is here to help you navigate the options and find the perfect writing companion that fits your needs, blending both function and style.

The Essential Criteria for Choosing Your Notebook

Before you start shopping, whether online or in-store, it's crucial to define your needs based on three main criteria?: size, paper quality, and cover type.

Format?: A Matter of Use (A5, 24x32, etc.)

The size of your notebook is primarily a matter of practicality.

• The Large Format Notebook (24x32 cm)?: This is the go-to format for school supplies. Large enough to hold A4 sheets without them sticking out, it's particularly well-suited for middle and high school classes.
• The A5 Notebook (14.8 x 21 cm)?: More compact, it slips easily into a handbag or briefcase. It's a versatile size, popular with students and professionals for meetings.
• Pocket-sized formats (e.g., 9 x 14 cm)?: Designed to be carried everywhere, they are the ideal companions to serve as a travel journal or for jotting down ideas on the fly.

Paper Quality?: Weight Makes All the Difference

Paper weight, expressed in grams per square meter (gsm), determines the paper's thickness and opacity. Standard paper is around 70-80 gsm. For optimal writing comfort, especially if you use fountain pens or markers, a 90gsm paper or higher is highly recommended. It offers a smoother glide and prevents ink from bleeding through the page.

The Cover?: Soft, Hard, or All-in-One??

The cover protects your notes and determines the durability of your notebook.

• Softcover?: Lightweight and flexible, it's often more budget-friendly.
• Hardcover?: It provides robust protection and a stable writing surface, even without support. It's the choice for longevity, ideal for a lined journal or a notebook you want to keep for a long time.
• Cover with an integrated protector?: Some lines, like the Koverbook from Clairefontaine, offer a clever 2-in-1 solution with a sturdy plastic cover that saves you from buying a separate notebook protector.

Top Notebook Recommendations

To guide you, our editors have selected three models that stand out for their design, quality of materials, and suitability for specific uses.

1. Clairefontaine Koverbook BLUSH Stapled Notebook

What sets it apart?: This notebook shines with its simple yet clever 2-in-1 concept. Its opaque and durable polypropylene cover includes two flaps that double as bookmarks and storage pockets. No more hassle of finding and fitting a separate notebook cover!

Key features?:

• Format?: 24 x 32 cm, perfect for school use.
• Paper?: The renowned Clairefontaine Velvety Vellum 90gsm paper, famous for its whiteness and perfect glide.
• Practicality?: Waterproof and washable cover with integrated storage flaps.
• Manufacturing?: Made in France with PEFC-certified paper (for sustainable forest management).

Who is it for? Middle and high school students who want a durable, smart, all-in-one solution for the new school year. It's the efficient choice for organising school supplies without the fuss.

2. Clairefontaine Nomaddict (Age Bag) Notebook

What sets it apart?: Its vintage look and design made for life on the move. Its binding allows for a perfect 180° lay-flat opening, ensuring optimal writing comfort across the entire page surface. Its compact size makes it an excellent travel journal.

Key features?:

• Design?: Full lay-flat opening for unrestricted use.
• Cover?: Hardcover made of tinted cardstock, with an elegant and durable leather-like texture.
• Paper?: 100 pages of the excellent Clairefontaine Velvety Vellum 90gsm paper.
• Portability?: Pocket-sized (9 x 14 cm) to fit anywhere.

Who is it for? Professionals on the go, journaling enthusiasts, writers, and travellers. This notebook is designed for those who love to capture their ideas on the fly, anywhere, with style and reliability.

3. Jubiluu A5 Textured Hardcover Notebook

What sets it apart?: Its particularly refined and modern design. The hardcover with its textured finish (here, a pink marble pattern) makes it a true statement piece, equally at home on a desk or in a bag, and perfect for gifting.

Key features?:

• Premium paper?: 96 sheets (192 pages) of thick and smooth 100gsm cream-coloured paper that prevents ink from showing through.
• Format?: A5 notebook, the ideal compromise between portability and writing space.
• Practical details?: Equipped with a ribbon bookmark and an elastic closure to keep it neat.
• Versatility?: Perfect as a lined journal, professional notebook, or project planner.

Who is it for? Students, professionals, and creatives who appreciate beautiful, functional objects. Its aesthetic makes it an excellent gift idea.

Can't Find the Perfect Fit??

Our selection focuses on specific uses, but the world of stationery is vast. If you're looking for a different size, a different ruling (graph, plain, dotted), or simply more design choices, feel free to explore our complete collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Notebooks

What's the difference between a notebook and a journal??

Generally, the distinction comes down to size and binding. A notebook is often larger (A4, 24x32 cm), with a stapled (saddle-stitched) or spiral binding, and is associated with school or office use. A journal or notepad is typically smaller (A5, A6, pocket-sized), with a sewn or glued binding, and lends itself more to personal and portable use.

What paper weight should I choose for a notebook??

It all depends on your writing tools. An 80gsm paper is sufficient for use with a pencil or ballpoint pen. For greater comfort, and if you use liquid ink pens or markers, opt for a 90gsm or 100gsm paper. It will offer better opacity and a smoother glide, while preventing ink from bleeding through the page.

How do I choose a notebook for back-to-school??

First, check the school's supply list, which often specifies the format (the 24x32 cm is a classic) and the required ruling (like French grid/Seyès). Then, prioritise durability?: a notebook with a thick cover or an integrated notebook protector will stand up much better to the wear and tear of the school year.