Choosing a notebook comes down to four things: the paper, the page layout, the size and the binding. Get those right for what you will use it for, whether that is lists, a daily planner, a reading journal or sketches, and the cover is the fun part.
For everyday writing with a ballpoint or gel pen, most standard notebook paper is fine. If you use a fountain pen, markers or watercolour, heavier paper stops ink showing through or soaking the page. A5 is the most popular size because it fits in a bag and still gives room to write. Wiro bound books lie flat and fold back on themselves; stitched and clothbound notebooks look neater and last well.
If you want a notebook to prompt you rather than hold your notes, a guided journal with questions or daily exercises may suit you better than blank pages.
Paper weight
Paper weight is given in grams per square metre (gsm). Heavier paper feels thicker and lets less ink through.
| Weight | Feel | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Around 70 to 90 gsm | Standard office and notebook paper | Ballpoint, pencil, gel pen |
| Around 100 to 120 gsm | Noticeably thicker | Fountain pens, fine liners, light markers |
| 150 gsm and above | Card-like | Sketching, markers, light washes |
| 200 gsm and above | Heavy | Watercolour and mixed media |
Not every notebook lists its paper weight. If it matters to you, check the product description or the brand’s website.
Page layouts
- Lined (ruled): for writing; narrow lines fit more words, wide lines suit larger handwriting.
- Dot grid: faint dots give guidance for writing, lists, charts and bullet journals without the page looking busy.
- Squared (graph): for diagrams, sums and design sketches.
- Plain: for drawing, mind maps and freeform notes.
- Planner layouts: dated or undated pages with spaces for days, tasks and priorities.
Sizes
| Size | Approximate dimensions | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm | Desk notes, study, sketching |
| A5 | 148 x 210 mm | Everyday notebooks, journals, planners |
| A6 | 105 x 148 mm | Pocket notes and lists |
Some brands use “A4ish” or “A5ish” for sizes close to the standard ones; check the exact dimensions if the notebook has to fit a cover or folder. The Ohh Deer range includes A4ish, A5 and A6 notebooks as well as daily planners.
Binding
- Wiro (wire): lies flat and folds back, good for sketching and left handed writers. Pages can tear out.
- Stitched or sewn: durable, opens fairly flat, looks like a book.
- Perfect bound (glued): neat and slim, but may not lie flat.
- Clothbound or linen covers: hard wearing and pleasant to hold.
- Leather covers: develop character with use; some can be refilled. The Scaramanga range lists leather notebooks and bookmarks.
Notebooks, journals and sketchbooks compared
A notebook is blank or ruled pages for anything. A planner has a structure for days and weeks. A guided journal gives prompts and exercises, such as a daily drawing prompt or wellbeing questions; the Bookspeed range includes visual and wellbeing journals. A sketchbook has heavier, often plain paper; Derwent wiro sketchbooks pair with coloured pencils, covered in our coloured pencils guide.
Ideas for using a notebook
- A reading journal: titles, dates, favourite lines and what to read next.
- A daily planner for work or study.
- A sketch a day, even for five minutes.
- A gratitude or wellbeing journal.
- A travel journal with tickets and notes.
- A bullet journal combining lists, habits and a calendar.
Pens and paper together
The right paper depends on the pen. Ballpoints and pencils work on almost anything. Gel pens and fine liners need a smooth paper that does not smudge. Fountain pens like heavier, smoother paper that stops ink feathering. Markers and brush pens can bleed through even thick paper, so many people put a spare sheet behind the page they are working on. If you use several kinds of pen, test each one on the last page before you start.
Keeping a notebook going
A notebook is only useful if you come back to it. Keep it where you will see it, write the date at the top of each entry, and number the pages so you can make a simple index at the front. If you fill notebooks quickly, a matching set makes a shelf of them easy to tell apart.
Quick checklist
- Paper weight that suits your pen or pencils.
- Lined, dot grid, squared or plain pages.
- A5 for most uses, A6 for pockets, A4 for the desk.
- Wiro if it needs to lie flat; stitched or clothbound for durability.
- Guided journal if you want prompts.
- Exact dimensions checked if it must fit a cover.
Common questions
What gsm paper is best for fountain pens?
Heavier paper, roughly 100 gsm and above, usually reduces ink showing through and feathering. Paper coating matters too, so some lighter papers also work well. Check reviews or the brand’s description.
What is the difference between a journal and a notebook?
The words overlap. A notebook is usually blank or ruled pages for anything; a journal often means a book for regular personal writing, and a guided journal includes prompts or exercises.
Is A5 or A4 better for a planner?
A5 is the most popular because it fits in a bag and still has room for daily notes. A4 suits a planner that stays on a desk. For storing a growing collection of books and notebooks, see buying vintage furniture.
