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

A notebook or notepad can be used for taking notes in class, preparing for meetings, keeping a diary, planning a trip or putting creative ideas down on paper. But a pretty cover or an attractive photo isn’t enough to make the right choice.

Disappointment usually comes down to three mistakes:

• Choosing the wrong size: an A6 notebook is easy to carry, but leaves less room for detailed notes. A larger 24 x 32 cm notebook, on the other hand, takes up more space in your bag.
• Choosing a ruling out of habit: a lined notebook is ideal for writing, while a squared notebook or one with large squares makes tables, diagrams and calculations easier.
• Choosing an impractical binding: a spiral-bound notebook can open flat through 360°, while sewn or glued binding may offer a more comfortable lay-flat opening. It’s best to think about how you’ll use it before placing your order.

What to check before choosing a notebook or notepad

1. Size and capacity

The right size depends both on how much information you need to write down and how much room you have to carry it.

• A6, approximately 10.5 x 14.8 cm: ideal for lists, quick ideas and notes on the go.
• A5, approximately 14.8 x 21 cm: a versatile all-rounder for work, study, journalling and everyday writing.
• 17 x 22 cm: a popular size for a compact school notebook.
• 24 x 32 cm: a generous writing surface for lessons, homework, plans and documents you want to keep.

Remember to distinguish between the number of pages and the number of sheets. A notebook advertised as having 96 sheets will usually contain 192 pages, while one listed as having 96 pages offers half the capacity.

2. Paper and paper weight

90 gsm paper is a reliable choice for notebooks used every day. A heavier weight, such as 100 gsm, feels thicker and more pleasant to write on.

Paper weight isn’t everything, though. Texture, shade and compatibility with your writing instrument matter just as much. If you use a fountain pen, felt-tip pen or marker, check the manufacturer’s guidance on show-through and the risk of ink bleeding through the page. The Clairefontaine products featured here use Vélin Velouté 90 gsm paper, while several Jubiluu models use 100 gsm ivory offset paper.

3. Ruling, cover and practical features

The ruling should suit what you’ll be using the notebook for:

• Notebook with large squares: handy for calculations, tables and diagrams.
• Seyès-ruled notebook: designed to support school handwriting in France.
• Lined notebook: suited to meeting notes, lists, stories and diary entries.
• Squared notebook: useful for diagrams, sketches and structured note-taking.

A hardback cover protects the pages in your bag and gives you a steadier surface to write on when you don’t have a desk. A soft cover is generally less bulky. Features such as an elastic closure, a bookmark, a pen loop or pockets can also save you from buying accessories separately.

Our selection for different uses

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget

OXFORD Easybook Oceanis, pack of 3 notebooks, 17 x 22 cm

Why it’s a good fit for this use: this pack is ideal for pupils who want to keep different subjects separate without having to buy notebooks one at a time. The 17 x 22 cm size slips easily into a bag, and each notebook has 96 pages with Seyès ruling.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The pack of three helps you avoid running out of notebooks too soon, while the Seyès ruling means you won’t end up with lines that aren’t suited to school handwriting.

Key features and benefits

Three 17 x 22 cm notebooks, with 96 pages and Seyès ruling in each.

Recommended for : Those who love premium quality

Clairefontaine Nomaddict Age Bag, A5

Why it’s a good fit for this use: this notebook is for anyone looking for a smart finish, a lay-flat opening and 192 pages for writing, drawing or keeping a travel journal.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

Its binding lets the notebook lie flat, so you won’t have to wrestle with the cover closing while you write or draw.

Key features and benefits

A5 size, 192 pages, Clairefontaine Vélin Velouté 90 gsm paper and a tinted, leather-grain-effect cover.

Recommended for : Specialist uses and heavy users

Koverbook, 24 x 32 cm spiral-bound notebook

Why it’s a good fit for this use: this large-format notebook is ideal for students, teachers and professionals who write a lot or need to keep documents with their notes.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The spiral binding lets the notebook open through 360°, while the two pocket flaps keep loose sheets, documents and bookmarks from getting lost.

Key features and benefits

100 pages, Clairefontaine 90 gsm paper, a transparent polypropylene cover and two integrated pockets.

Recommended for : Writing on the go and journalling

Jubiluu, A6 hardback notebook

Why it’s a good fit for this use: its compact size is ideal for daily commutes, travel and jotting down ideas as they come, with several handy features built in.

How this product helps you avoid a common pitfall

The elastic keeps the notebook closed, the pen loop keeps your pen close to hand, and the bookmark helps you pick up where you left off without searching for your page.

Key features and benefits

A6 size, 160 pages, 100 gsm ivory offset paper, bookmark, elastic closure and pen loop.

Frequently asked questions about notebooks and notepads

What size should you choose for study or work?

A5 is ideal for everyday note-taking and easy to carry. For detailed lessons, tables or sheets you want to keep, 24 x 32 cm gives you more room to write. A 17 x 22 cm notebook may be enough for everyday school use, especially if you have a small bag.

What’s the difference between a Seyès-ruled notebook and a lined notebook?

A Seyès-ruled notebook has a distinctive grid of ruled lines and vertical lines, designed to guide handwriting at school. A lined notebook has simple lines, making it better suited to meeting notes, lists, stories and personal notes.

How long does a notebook last?

It depends on how often you write in it, how you carry it and the quality of its binding. A hardback cover, elastic closure and suitably thick paper can make it more comfortable to use every day. However, no notebook is designed to withstand water or prolonged overloading. To protect the pages, keep it somewhere dry and don’t force it to open further than its binding allows.