Notebook guide: how to choose the right size, paper and binding

A notebook can accompany you in all kinds of situations: lessons, meetings, lists, journalling, sketches or organising your daily life. However, product listings sometimes focus more on the cover or colour than on the features that really determine how comfortable the notebook is to use.

Before placing your order, there are three common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Confusing the number of pages with the number of sheets: a notebook advertised as having 160 pages may actually contain 80 sheets, usable on both sides.
• Choosing the wrong size: an A6 notebook is easy to carry, but offers considerably less space than an A5 or A4 notebook.
• Relying solely on paper weight: thick paper can feel pleasant to write on, but ruling, texture and intended use are just as important.

Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing a notebook that is genuinely suited to your everyday life in France.

Essential criteria before buying a notebook

1. Size: A6, A5, A4 or school notebook

The size directly affects how easy the notebook is to carry and how much writing space it provides.

• A6 notebook: approximately 10.5 × 14.8 cm. It slips easily into a bag, large pocket or pouch. This is the ideal size for lists, reminders and ideas you want to jot down on the go.
• A5 notebook: approximately 14.8 × 21 cm. It offers a good compromise for studying, office work, journalling and everyday note-taking.
• A4 size: approximately 21 × 29.7 cm. Its large surface is suitable for drawings, tables, diagrams and detailed notes.
• School sizes 17 × 22 cm or 24 × 32 cm: these dimensions are designed for homework and subjects that require French ruling.

A pocket notebook is therefore not necessarily the best choice for a long meeting or a sketchbook. Conversely, a large notebook can quickly become cumbersome on public transport.

2. Paper: weight, ruling and show-through

Expressed in g/m², paper weight refers to the weight of the paper per square metre. It is not enough to judge its overall quality, but it is a useful first indicator:

• 70 to 80 g/m²: a common weight for everyday notes, lessons and lists.
• 90 to 100 g/m²: generally denser paper, better suited to liquid-ink pens, journalling and certain felt-tip pens.
• Plain paper: best for drawing, sketching and freely created diagrams.
• Ruled paper: practical for keeping your handwriting even and writing reports.
• Squared paper: useful for tables, calculations, diagrams and structured lists.
• Seyès ruling: the distinctive ruling used in French school notebooks, designed to guide handwriting.

Remember to check the shade of the paper too: white, ivory or off-white. Cream paper creates a softer, more restful appearance, while white paper can make coloured annotations easier to read.

3. Binding and accessories

A spiral binding generally allows the notebook to open completely flat, making it easy to turn the pages. It is particularly practical at the office, in lessons or when you need to take notes with one hand. On the other hand, the spiral may take up a little more room in a pouch.

Staple binding remains lightweight and works well for school notebooks used for a particular subject. A hard cover offers better protection for the pages while travelling, while a soft cover helps reduce weight and provides greater flexibility.

For everyday use, some accessories are far from unnecessary:

• elastic closure to keep the notebook securely closed in your bag ;
• ribbon bookmark to help you quickly find a page ;
• pen loop to keep your writing instrument with the notebook ;
• inside pocket for storing a few sheets of paper or tickets.

When your notebook goes everywhere with you, these practical details are often more valuable than a purely decorative finish.

Our selection for different types of use

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

Deli Spiral Notebook, A5, 4-Pack

Why this choice suits this profile : This pack of four A5 notebooks is suitable for students, families and anyone who wants to organise their notes by subject or project. The size fits into most bags and ring binders.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The quantity is clearly presented as a pack of four notebooks. This means you avoid ordering a single notebook when you actually need several.

Main benefit and key features

A5 size, spiral binding, 60 sheets and 120 pages per notebook, with 70 g/m² paper.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts

Jubiluu A5 Hardcover Notebook, Navy Gold Floral Outline

Why this choice suits this profile : With its decorated hard cover, this notebook is designed for anyone who wants to combine writing, journalling and a polished presentation in one item, whether at home or in the office.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The listing details the size, number of sheets, paper weight and accessories, rather than relying solely on the appearance of the cover.

Main benefit and key features

A5 size, 96 sheets of 100 g/m² off-white offset paper, ribbon bookmark and elastic closure.

Recommended for : Specialist uses and intensive users

CLAIREFONTAINE Zap Book R.I. A4

Why this choice suits this profile : This sketchbook is aimed at creatives, art students and anyone who needs a large A4 surface for sketches, diagrams or free-form notes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The paper is clearly described as plain, and the A4 size is clearly stated. This prevents you from ending up with a ruled notebook that is too narrow for drawing.

Main benefit and key features

160 sheets of 80 g/m² recycled paper, spiral binding and a stated lay-flat opening for both drawing and writing.

Frequently asked questions about notebooks

Which size should I choose for a notebook used every day ?

The A5 size suits most uses: lessons, meetings, journalling and organising your daily life. Choose an A6 notebook if portability is your priority. For drawing or taking highly detailed notes, A4 provides considerably more comfortable space.

Which binding makes writing easier ?

A spiral binding generally allows the notebook to open flat, with the pages folded back behind the cover. It is particularly suitable for frequent note-taking. Staple binding is lighter, while a hard cover offers better protection for the contents while travelling.

How long can a notebook last ?

It depends on how often it is used, storage conditions and the strength of the cover. Keep your notebook away from moisture, avoid forcing the pages and do not pull excessively on the elastic. For a notebook with a faux-leather cover, a soft, slightly damp cloth is all that is needed for cleaning. Avoid chemical products and excessive water.