Notebook Buying Guide: How to Find the Perfect Size

Finding the perfect notebook? It seems simple enough. But with all the different sizes, paper types, and covers, it's easy to get lost. Whether it's for back to school, the office, or starting a personal journal, everyone's needs are unique. This guide breaks down the essential criteria for choosing your ideal writing companion, without the marketing jargon.

Key Criteria for Choosing Your Notebook

Before diving into our top picks, let's review the key factors that will guide your decision.

Size?: A Matter of Portability and Space

The ideal size depends primarily on how you plan to use it.

• A5 Notebook (14.8 x 21?cm)?: Compact and lightweight, it slips easily into a handbag or satchel. It's a versatile size, popular for taking notes in meetings, as a travel log, or for journaling.
• Large Format Notebook (24x32?cm)?: Larger than the standard A4 size, this is the benchmark for school supplies in France. It offers a large writing area and allows you to paste in A4 documents without them sticking out. Essential for middle school, high school, and even university classes.

Paper Quality?: Writing Comfort Above All

Paper weight, measured in grams per square metre (g/m?), is the crucial factor. It determines how smoothly your pen glides and how prone the ink is to showing through the page.

• 80?g/m??: A standard weight, sufficient for daily use with a ballpoint pen. It's lightweight and economical.
• 90?g/m??: Offers superior writing comfort. There's less ink bleed-through, making it more pleasant for writing with a fountain pen or fine liner. The 90g vellum paper from Clairefontaine notebooks is the absolute gold standard in this category.
• 100?g/m? and up?: Here we enter the premium range. This thick, opaque, and perfectly smooth paper is a delight for drawing, calligraphy, or for anyone who loves a premium writing experience.

Cover and Binding?: Durability and Practicality

The cover isn't just an aesthetic detail?: it protects your notes and determines the notebook's longevity.

• Softcover?: Lightweight and flexible, it's ideal for notebooks that are frequently carried around.
• Hardcover?: Offers maximum protection and a stable surface for writing anywhere. A wise choice for a personal journal or a professional notebook meant to stand the test of time.
• The Binding?: Saddle-stitched (stapled) binding is the most common for school notebooks. For higher quality, a sewn binding ensures the notebook lays perfectly flat when open—a real bonus for writing comfort.

Recommended Notebooks for Every Need

We've selected a few gems for you, chosen for their relevance, quality, and excellent value for money.

Most Practical & Value-Friendly?: Jubiluu A5 Notebooks, 3-Pack

The Standout Feature?: This notebook set is the ideal solution for organising your notes by subject or project without any hassle. In this price range, the sewn binding is a real asset?: it allows the notebook to lay flat, making note-taking much easier.

• Pros?:

  • Portable A5 size.
  • Sewn binding for a lay-flat opening.
  • Lined 80?g/m? paper, perfect for everyday use.
  • Excellent value as a three-pack.

• Who is it for? For students juggling multiple subjects, or professionals who like to separate meeting notes, to-do lists, and creative ideas.

The Student Staple?: Clairefontaine Koverbook 24x32 Notebook

Why we love it?: The Koverbook is the ultimate smart concept?: a notebook and a protective cover in one. Its transparent and ultra-durable polypropylene cover includes two handy flaps for use as a bookmark or for tucking away loose papers.

• Pros?:

  • Smart and durable 2-in-1 design?: no need to buy a separate cover.
  • The famous velvety smooth Clairefontaine 90?g/m? vellum paper, PEFC certified and made in France.
  • Large 24x32 format, the standard for school supply lists.
  • Sturdy cover that effectively protects the pages.

• Who is it for? The number one choice for middle school, high school, and university students looking for a sturdy and functional companion that can survive an intense school year.

The Elegant Choice for Office & Journaling?: Jubiluu A5 Hardcover Notebook

What sets it apart?: This notebook successfully blends elegance with functionality. Its textured hardcover gives it a very polished look, while its thick 100?g/m? paper promises a premium writing experience with zero ghosting or bleed-through.

• Pros?:

  • Chic and durable hardcover.
  • Ivory 100?g/m? paper for optimal writing comfort.
  • The details that matter?: ribbon bookmark and elastic closure.
  • Versatile A5 size for the office or personal use.

• Who is it for? For professionals seeking a statement notebook, discerning bullet journal enthusiasts who demand high-quality paper, or simply as a beautiful gift.

Why Not Rethink Your Workspace, Too?

Now that you have the ideal notebook, why not optimise the rest of your desk? Good lighting and decor that reflects your taste are valuable allies for concentration.

Take a look at our selection of Elegance Curtains and Blinds to create a workspace that inspires you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What paper weight should I choose?

It all depends on your favourite pen! An 80?g/m? paper is sufficient for a standard ballpoint. If you write with a fountain pen or a fine liner, upgrade to 90?g/m? or 100?g/m? to prevent ink from feathering or bleeding through the page.

What's the difference between A4 and 24x32?cm sizes?

The A4 size (21 x 29.7?cm) is the global standard. The 24x32?cm size, however, is a French specialty and a star of back-to-school lists. Being slightly larger, it allows you to paste an A4 sheet inside without the edges sticking out. It's a smart design that's very popular with students.

Hardcover or Softcover?: Which to choose?

A hardcover is the champion of durability. It protects your notes and provides a stable surface for writing anywhere. The downside? It's heavier and less flexible than a softcover. If you carry your notebook around all day, this could be a deciding factor.