Which School Notebook Should You Choose for Back-to-School?

The infamous school supplies list… an annual ritual that often turns into a real headache. Between the different sizes, paper weights, and ruling types, it's easy to get lost. Should you opt for a 24x32 notebook or an A5 notepad? Is 90gsm paper really enough?

Our mission: to help you make sense of it all. This guide breaks down the essential criteria for choosing the perfect school notebook for every need, from middle school to higher education, and even for your personal projects.

Choosing Your Notebook Wisely: The 3 Key Criteria

Before you rush to the store or fill your online cart, here are the points to check to avoid making the wrong choice and prevent unnecessary purchases.

1. Size and Ruling: The Right Notebook for Every Use

Size is often the first consideration, and for good reason: it's usually dictated by the school supply lists.

• The 24x32 cm Notebook: This is the classic choice on supply lists. Larger than an A4 sheet (21 x 29.7 cm), it allows you to paste in documents without them sticking out. It's a must-have for subjects where handouts are common.
• The A5 Notebook (14.8 x 21 cm): Compact and lightweight, it's perfect for taking notes in lectures, meetings, or for keeping a journal. It slips easily into any bag.
• The Ruling: In France, the standard is the famous Séyès ruling, or cahier grands carreaux (large-squared notebook). Its lines guide handwriting and help with proper letter formation, which is essential for younger students. For university or the office, a classic lined ruling is often more suitable.

2. Paper Weight: A Matter of Comfort and Durability

Expressed in grams per square metre (gsm), the paper weight defines the paper's thickness and opacity. A detail that changes everything!

• 90gsm Paper: This is the benchmark for optimal writing comfort. Opaque enough that ink won't bleed through, even with a fountain pen, it ensures clean and legible pages on both sides. An excellent choice for daily use.
• 120gsm Paper or Higher: Here we enter the drawing paper category. Thicker and more robust, it's perfect for visual arts. It can easily handle pencil marks, repeated erasing, charcoal, and even light wet media. A drawing pad with this weight is a creative's best friend.

3. Binding and Cover: The Winning Combination for a Durable Notebook

A notebook's sturdiness largely depends on its binding and cover. While staple-binding is the simplest, it's also less durable than a spiral or stitched binding for thick notebooks. As for the cover, a polypropylene model is an excellent option: it protects against spills and tears, and saves you from buying a separate notebook protector. Smart and cost-effective!

Recommended Notebooks for School

Now that we've covered the basics, let's move from theory to practice. Here is a selection of products that cater to different profiles, from the schoolchild to the budding artist.

For School Organisation: CLAIREFONTAINE Koverbook 24x32 Notebook

Why it stands out

This Clairefontaine notebook is the all-in-one solution favoured by students and parents alike. Its transparent polypropylene cover acts as an integrated notebook protector, offering robust protection throughout the year. Its 24x32 size meets the requirements of most school supply lists.

Key features

• 2-in-1 Cover: Strong and waterproof, its polypropylene cover includes two large flaps that serve as bookmarks or document pockets.
• Quality Paper: The 96 pages are made of 90gsm Velin Velouté paper, renowned for its whiteness and perfect smoothness.
• Practicality: An adhesive label is included to personalise the notebook (name, subject).
• Certification: The paper is PEFC certified, guaranteeing sustainable forest management.

Who is it for?

Ideal for middle and high school students looking for a practical and durable notebook for intensive daily use.

For Note-Taking and Journaling: Jubiluu A5 Notebook

Why it stands out

This A5 notebook successfully combines elegance with practicality. Its rigid cover with a pink marble pattern makes it a beautiful object, equally at home in a university lecture hall, at the office, or as a personal diary.

Key features

• Thick Paper: The 96 sheets (192 pages) are made of 100gsm cream-coloured offset paper, providing a very pleasant writing experience without ink showing through on the other side.
• Thoughtful Design: The hardcover is durable and stylish. It features a ribbon bookmark and an elastic closure to keep your notes secure.
• Versatile Size: The A5 format is perfect for carrying everywhere, from the office to the classroom.

Who is it for?

For students, professionals, journaling enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a stylish and practical notebook that also makes an excellent gift idea.

For Drawing and Sketching: CLAIREFONTAINE Cray'ON A5 Drawing Pad

Why it stands out

This drawing pad is specially designed for dry media. Its extra-white cellulose paper has a very fine grain surface on one side and a smooth surface on the other, offering a versatility highly appreciated by artists.

Key features

• Heavy Weight: The 120gsmdrawing paper is durable and withstands repeated erasing and scraping without pilling.
• Dual-Sided Surface: One side with a light grain to add texture to drawings, the other side smooth for cleaner lines.
• Archival Quality: The paper is acid-free, ensuring better preservation of artworks over time.
• Environmental Commitment: PEFC certified, it comes from responsibly managed forests.

Who is it for?

For art students, amateur illustrators, and professionals who use dry media such as pencil, charcoal, pastel, or sanguine.

Looking for Drawing Options?

Is drawing, sketching, or painting more your thing? If you're looking to explore a wider variety of sizes and paper weights, you should love our dedicated selection.

? Discover our range of affordable sketchbooks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between a 24x32 cm notebook and an A4 notebook?

An A4 notebook measures 21 x 29.7 cm, the size of a standard printer sheet. A 24x32 cm notebook is slightly larger. This extra space is very practical in a school setting, as it allows you to paste A4 sheets inside without having to fold or trim them.

Q2: Why is paper weight important for a school notebook?

A higher paper weight, like 90gsm, prevents ink from bleeding through the page, making reading and writing on the reverse side more comfortable. This is particularly important if you use fountain pens or markers. Thicker paper is also more resistant to repeated erasing.

Q3: What is the Séyès ruling (grands carreaux)?

The Séyès ruling is the standard for large-squared notebooks in France. It consists of a main 8 mm grid, with finer horizontal lines spaced 2 mm apart. This system guides handwriting by defining the height of uppercase letters (three interlines) and lowercase letters (one interline).