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Notebook or exercise book: how to choose the right format for every use

A notebook or exercise book can be used for lessons, organising your working day, keeping a personal journal or making sketches. But buying one can quickly lead to disappointment if the format, paper or binding does not really suit its intended use.

Before adding one to your basket, keep an eye out for three common pitfalls:

  • Confusing sheets and pages: a product advertised as containing 80 sheets will generally contain 160 pages. This distinction is not always highlighted on the product page.
  • Choosing a format that is too large or too small: an A6 notebook fits easily anywhere, while a large-format exercise book provides more writing space but takes up more room in your bag.
  • Judging it solely by its cover: an attractive finish tells you nothing about the ruling, whether the paper is compatible with your pen or how well the binding will withstand everyday use.

Criteria to check before buying

1. Format: portability or writing space

The right format depends both on how much you travel and on the way you take notes.

  • A7: ideal for quick lists, reminders and ideas you want to jot down on the go.
  • A6: compact and easy to carry, it is suitable for everyday notes, personal journalling or a small undated diary.
  • A5: the most versatile compromise for students, professionals, writers and travellers.
  • 17 × 22 cm: close to the format of French school exercise books, it is suitable for homework and exercises.
  • 24 × 32 cm: this large format provides a comfortable surface for lessons, documents and annotations.

A notebook with an elastic closure and bookmark stays securely closed in your bag. However, these accessories add a little extra thickness and may wear out before the pages do. So check the strength of the elastic, how securely the ribbon is attached and whether there is an inside pocket.

2. Ruling: lines, squares or blank pages

The ruling directly affects writing comfort and the notebook’s versatility.

  • A lined exercise book is suitable for texts, reports and conventional note-taking.
  • A squared exercise book makes it easier to create tables, diagrams, calculations and plans.
  • Seyès ruling helps guide handwriting and remains very common in French schools.
  • Blank pages are ideal for drawing, sketching, mind maps and free writing.
  • Dotted pages offer a good balance between freedom and guidance, particularly for planning and structured drawing.

For a school exercise book, check the line spacing and number of pages. For a sketchbook, the paper weight often matters more than the cover: felt-tip pens and ink can bleed through paper that is too thin. If possible, test it on an endpaper or a dedicated sheet.

3. Paper and binding

Expressed in g/m², paper weight gives an indication of the paper’s thickness, but it is not enough to sum up its quality. 70 g/m² paper may be perfectly suitable for pencil and ballpoint pens. For fountain pens and light inks, 90 or 100 g/m² paper will generally provide greater comfort. However, the result also depends on the type of ink and the pressure applied to the page.

The binding should also be chosen according to how the notebook will be used:

  • Staple-bound: lightweight and suitable for school exercise books and temporary note-taking.
  • Spiral-bound: practical, it makes pages easy to turn and keeps the exercise book flat.
  • Sewn or casebound: more durable and suitable for notebooks intended to be kept, such as journals or personal archives.
  • Soft cover: less bulky and lighter.
  • Hard cover: offers better protection for the pages in a bag, but makes the notebook heavier overall.

Environmental labels such as PEFC or FSC provide information about the origin of certain materials within the scope of the certification. They do not remove the need to check the dimensions, paper and binding.

Our selection based on your needs

Recommended for : Beginners on a budget
OXFORD Pack of 3 Easybook Oceanis exercise books

OXFORD Pack of 3 Easybook Oceanis exercise books

Why this choice suits this profile : This pack of three exercise books allows pupils to separate several subjects without having to make multiple purchases. At 17 × 22 cm, they fit easily into a school bag.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The number of exercise books and pages is clearly stated: three books with 96 pages each, featuring Seyès ruling suitable for school handwriting.

Main benefit and key features

17 × 22 cm format, 96 pages per exercise book, staple binding and Seyès ruling.

Recommended for : Premium stationery enthusiasts
Clairefontaine Nomaddict A5 squared notebook

Clairefontaine Nomaddict A5 squared notebook

Why this choice suits this profile : This A5 notebook is ideal for anyone looking for a polished design, whether at work, while travelling or for personal writing.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details specify the A5 format, 192 pages, Clairefontaine Velin Velouté 90 g/m² paper and small squared ruling.

Main benefit and key features

90 g/m² paper, tinted soft cover, canvas spine and lays-flat opening.

Recommended for : Specialist uses and intensive users
Moleskine Classic Notebook Extra Large squared notebook

Moleskine Classic Notebook Extra Large squared

Why this choice suits this profile : Its generous squared surface is ideal for organising data, drawing diagrams, planning projects or recording extensive notes.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The format, squared ruling, 192 pages and lays-flat opening are all detailed, making it easy to compare with an A5 notebook.

Main benefit and key features

Squared pages, elastic closure, bookmark, inside pocket and 180° opening.

Recommended for : Writing on the go and personal organisation
Jubiluu A6 notebook with elastic closure and bookmark

Jubiluu A6 Premium hard-cover notebook

Why this choice suits this profile : This A6 notebook fits into a pocket or small bag, making it easy to jot down ideas, lists or appointments throughout the day.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product details clearly distinguish between the A6 format, 80 sheets, 160 pages and 100 g/m² lined paper.

Main benefit and key features

PU hard cover, elastic closure, ribbon bookmark and pen loop.

Looking for more options ?

We have brought together a complete, real-time updated selection of products that meet these demanding criteria as well as European safety standards.

Frequently asked questions about exercise books and notebooks

Which format should I choose for everyday note-taking ?

A5 offers the best balance between writing space and portability. An A6 notebook is suitable for quick notes, while a large-format exercise book is more comfortable for lessons, tables and documents that need annotating.

How long can a notebook last ?

It all depends on how often it is used, the paper weight, the binding and the conditions in which it is carried. For intensive use, a hard cover, sewn binding or well-protected spiral binding will generally be more suitable. Keep the notebook away from moisture and avoid overfilling its inside pocket.

Is a squared notebook suitable for writing long texts ?

Yes, although comfort depends on the size of the squares and your personal habits. For reports, a lined notebook will generally be more comfortable to read. For diagrams, calculations, plans or tables, the grid provides particularly useful guidance.