Joybuy Insights

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

A notebook can accompany you through lectures, meetings, a personal diary, travel planning or sketching ideas. But when it comes to choosing one, you’re quickly faced with a barrage of claims: “tough” cover, “premium” paper or “portable” size.

Before you place an order, there are three pitfalls to avoid:

  • Confusing a compact size with enough capacity: a pocket notebook slips into anything, but leaves less room for detailed notes and sketches.
  • Relying only on the cover’s appearance: a nice finish tells you little, if anything, about the binding, how the pages hold up or resistance to moisture.
  • Overlooking the paper and layout: a ruled notebook isn’t necessarily suited to drawing, while thin paper can struggle with certain pens or markers.

Here are the criteria to examine so you can choose a notebook that’s truly right for your everyday use.

1. Choosing the right size: A6, pocket or A5

The size directly affects how easy it is to carry and how comfortable it is to write in.

The A6 notebook for on the go

An A6 notebook measures roughly 10.5 × 14.8 cm. It slips into a small bag, a messenger bag or a roomy pocket. This size is perfect for lists, reminders, ideas that pop up during the day and notes taken on public transport.

You do, however, have to make do with a limited writing surface. For keeping a detailed diary, drawing diagrams or jotting down several tasks each day, an A5 notebook will generally be more comfortable.

The pocket notebook for spontaneous notes

Sizes around 9 × 14 cm are all about portability. They suit travellers, professionals who take notes between meetings and students who want to always have something to hand.

Check for an elastic closure, a bookmark or an inner pocket. These small details stop the notebook from opening in your bag and let you store tickets, receipts and loose sheets.

The A5 size for writing more

With dimensions of roughly 14.8 × 21 cm, the A5 size offers enough room to structure a meeting, keep a diary or alternate between text and sketches. It’s less discreet than a pocket notebook, but much more pleasant to use on a desk or a lecture table.

2. Examining the paper and layout

The paper weight alone isn’t enough to judge writing comfort, but it does give a useful first indication.

  • 70 gsm: a lightweight paper, suitable for everyday writing and notebooks you carry around often.
  • 90 gsm: a more comfortable thickness, good for sustained writing and using a variety of pencils or pens.
  • 100 gsm: a thicker offset paper, found in some A6 notebooks.

Ivory paper can be more pleasant to read than a very bright white, even if this choice remains subjective. For the layout, make sure you distinguish between the different types of notebook:

  • Ruled notebook: notes, lectures, reports and a diary.
  • Grid notebook: tables, plans, calculations, diagrams and organisation.
  • Blank notebook: drawing, free writing, mind maps and sketches.

The acid-free mention and the paper’s origin are normally listed on the product page. Some Moleskine models, for example, state they use 70 gsm acid-free ivory paper from FSC-certified forests and other controlled sources. This tells you about the stated sourcing, but on its own it’s not a general guarantee of the notebook’s durability.

3. Checking the binding, cover and accessories

A hard cover protects the pages better in a bag and provides a more stable surface when you’re writing standing up. A soft cover is often lighter and easier to bend, but it offers less protection against knocks and pressure.

The binding matters just as much. A 180° flat lay makes it easier to write on both pages. Micro-perforated pages let you tear out a note cleanly, while an inner pocket holds documents you want to keep temporarily.

Accessories can also change the everyday experience:

  • Pen holder: saves you having to find a separate pen.
  • Ribbon bookmark: lets you quickly find the last page you used.
  • Elastic band: keeps the notebook closed and stops pages from falling out.
  • Inner pockets: handy for cards, receipts and small papers.

Be careful with small parts, especially if the notebook is intended for a child under 3 years old. Manufacturers also recommend protecting it from water, excessive heat and sharp objects.

Our selection based on your profile

Recommended for: Budget-conscious beginners
Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook

Jubiluu A6 Premium PU Hardcover Pocket Notebook – Teal Green

Why this choice suits this profile: Its A6 size is ideal for everyday notes, lists and journaling in a compact bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states 160 ruled pages, 100 gsm ivory offset paper and a PU cover: this is far from a basic ultra-thin notebook.

Main advantage and key features

Bookmark, elastic closure and pen holder are all built into a size of roughly 10.5 × 14.8 cm.

Recommended for: Premium enthusiasts
MOLESKINE Classic Large Ruled Notebook Sapphire Blue

MOLESKINE Classic Large Ruled Notebook – Sapphire Blue

Why this choice suits this profile: Its Large size of 13 × 21 cm offers more space for professionals, writers and journaling enthusiasts.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies acid-free ivory paper, a 180° flat lay and an expandable inner pocket.

Main advantage and key features

Ruled pages, elastic band, ribbon bookmark and several sizes available depending on the capacity you need.

Recommended for: Specific uses and heavy users
CLAIREFONTAINE Nomaddict Age Bag Notebook

CLAIREFONTAINE Nomaddict Age Bag – 14.8 × 21 cm

Why this choice suits this profile: Students, professionals and travellers can organise their notes thanks to the tear-out pages and three pockets.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The A5 size, 120 micro-perforated ruled pages and pockets meet the needs of frequent, organised use.

Main advantage and key features

90 gsm Clairefontaine Vélin Velouté paper, colour-through cover and stated manufacture in France.

Recommended for: Creatives and multi-notebook users
MOLESKINE Set of 3 Large Blank Notebooks

MOLESKINE Set of 3 Large Blank Notebooks

Why this choice suits this profile: Three large notebooks let you separate drawing, free writing, creative projects and mind maps.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The blank pages give you total freedom, while the hard cover and visible stitching give each volume real structure.

Main advantage and key features

70 gsm acid-free ivory paper, three copies, 16 last tear-out sheets and a back flap.

Looking for other options?

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

FAQ about notebooks

Which notebook should I choose for taking notes in lectures or at work?

A ruled A5 notebook is generally suitable for reports and lectures, as it offers more space than a pocket model. To carry your notes easily, go for a hard cover, an elastic band and a flat lay.

What’s the difference between an A6 notebook and a pocket notebook?

The A6 size measures roughly 10.5 × 14.8 cm. A pocket notebook can be slightly smaller, with dimensions around 9 × 14 cm. The former therefore offers a little more room, while the latter focuses more on discretion and mobility.

How can I keep a notebook in good condition for a long time?

Store it in a dry place, avoid exposing it to sunlight for too long and don’t let it come into contact with water. Clean the cover with a soft, dry cloth, or a slightly damp one if the product page allows it. Also check the quality of the binding and choose a paper weight that suits both your pens and how often you use it.