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Notebooks: how to choose the right size, paper and binding

A notebook can be used to follow a lecture, prepare for a meeting, keep a diary or store sketches. But a smart appearance doesn't guarantee it will be a pleasure to use every day. Certain details, often overlooked, can turn an appealing purchase into an impractical accessory.

Common pitfalls before you buy

1. Mistaking a small size for true portability

An A5 notebook offers a good balance between writing space and ease of transport, but it can quickly become bulky in a small bag. Conversely, an A6 or A7 notebook slips easily into a pocket, at the cost of more limited space for developing an idea or writing up notes.

The right choice therefore depends on your daily use: quick notes, homework, sketches, to-do lists or extended writing.

2. Relying solely on the page count

A notebook that boasts a high page count isn't necessarily the most practical. Check whether it's sheets or pages that are listed, as well as the paper weight. One sheet equals two pages when used on both sides. Spiral notebooks and micro-perforated pads can also show a different number of detachable sheets from the total number of pages stated.

3. Overlooking the ruling and binding

A squared notebook is suitable for tables, diagrams and calculations, while a lined notebook more naturally accompanies writing. For drawing, a blank sketchbook offers greater freedom. The binding also deserves your attention: a spiral often allows it to lie flat, whereas a hard cover better protects the contents in a bag.

The criteria to check before choosing a notebook

Size: from pocket to large desk

Here are the main sizes to compare:

  • A7 notebook: ideal for reminders, short lists and notes taken on the go.
  • A6 notebook: compact, but spacious enough for a few paragraphs or quick drawings.
  • A5 notebook: versatile for study, work, journaling and personal writing.
  • A4 notebook: suited to diagrams, plans, schoolwork and large drawings.
  • 17 × 22 cm or 24 × 32 cm size: particularly common for French school exercise books or assignments requiring more space.

Consider the dimensions of your bag, the space available on your desk and the amount of information you need to jot down each day.

Paper and weight

Paper weight is expressed in g/m². A 70 g/m² paper is generally suitable for writing with a pen or pencil. An 80 to 100 g/m² paper offers a denser feel and can be more pleasant for sustained writing, depending on the ink used.

The terms acid-free, pH neutral, recycled, PEFC or FSC describe specific characteristics of the paper or its sourcing. They do not mean that all notebooks are compatible with all felt-tips, markers or fountain pens. For drawing, always check the weight and type of paper stated by the manufacturer.

Clairefontaine paper features in several references with weights between 80 and 90 g/m², notably in the Zap Book, Nomaddict and Koverbook ranges.

Binding and cover

  • Softcover notebook: lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Hardcover notebook: more protective, especially in a full bag.
  • Spiral notebook: lies flat and pages are easy to turn.
  • Glued binding: compact format, often suited to sketchbooks.
  • Sewn binding or 180° lay-flat: practical for writing across a double-page spread.

An elastic closure, a bookmark or an inner pocket can also help with organisation. However, these accessories do not replace choosing the right size.

Our selection based on your profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
M&G Meeboki Spiral Notebooks, 4 Pack A7 Top Flip Notebooks

M&G Meeboki Spiral Notebooks, pack of 4 A7 notebooks

Why this choice suits this profile: Their small size is ideal for lists, reminders and notes taken on the move. The pack of four allows you to separate subjects, tasks or projects.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of notebooks and the A7 size are clearly stated. The top binding makes one-handed note-taking easy.

Key feature and highlights

Four notebooks, squared paper, soft cover and 50 sheets per notebook.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
MOLESKINE Classic Notebook Large Format Blank Pages Black

Moleskine Classic Notebook, large format, blank pages

Why this choice suits this profile: This Moleskine notebook lends itself to journaling, professional ideas and sketches thanks to its hard cover with a sleek style.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies the presence of a hard cover, 180° lay-flat opening, an elastic closure and an inner pocket.

Key feature and highlights

Acid-free ivory paper, 70 g/m², bookmark, expandable pocket and elastic closure.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
Clairefontaine Pack of 5 Koverbook notebooks

Clairefontaine Koverbook, pack of 5 exercise books

Why this choice suits this profile: The 24 × 32 cm size and integrated pockets are ideal for homework, folders and documents to keep with each subject.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The polypropylene cover protects the exercise book, while the two flaps allow you to store loose sheets.

Key feature and highlights

96 pages, Clairefontaine Velin Velouté 90 g/m² paper, wide ruling, pack of five and made in France.

Recommended for: Artists and sketch enthusiasts
Clairefontaine Zap Book R.I. A4

Clairefontaine Zap Book R.I. A4

Why this choice suits this profile: The large-format blank pages give you plenty of room for sketches, plans, annotations and graphic compositions.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product is presented as a sketchbook with blank pages, not as a squared or lined exercise book.

Key feature and highlights

A4 format, 160 sheets, 80 g/m² 100% recycled paper, acid-free and pH neutral, with spiral binding.

Looking for other options?

We've put together a comprehensive list, updated in real time, of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about notebooks

Which size should I choose for everyday note-taking?

The A5 notebook suits the majority of uses: meetings, lectures, journaling and personal organisation. To slip it into a pocket or jot down a quick reminder, go for an A6 or A7 notebook. The A4 size is better suited to diagrams, drawings and work that requires a large writing surface.

Which ruling should I choose for study or work?

A lined exercise book makes writing and taking notes in class easier. A squared exercise book is more suitable for tables, calculations and diagrams. In French schools, the Seyès ruling remains a very common standard. Blank pages are better suited to drawing, mind mapping and sketchbooks.

How long can a notebook stay in good condition?

It all depends on its storage conditions and how often it's used. Keep it in a dry place, avoid compressing the binding and protect it from moisture. A hard cover generally withstands repeated handling better, while a softcover notebook remains lighter and easier to carry.