The Ultimate Notebook Size Guide: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Needs
Lion Paper Team- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Whether you're sketching out a new idea, planning your week, or journaling your travels, the size of your notebook plays a big role in how—and where—you use it. Choosing the right notebook size isn’t just a matter of preference. It’s about matching the notebook to your workflow, lifestyle, and intent.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the best notebook size for your needs—whether you’re buying for yourself, your team, or your brand’s next custom stationery line. Backed by 10+ years of manufacturing experience, this is the only notebook sizing guide you’ll ever need.
1. Why Notebook Size Matters
Notebook size impacts more than just how a product looks—it affects:
l Usability: Is it spacious enough to write freely? Or too bulky to carry around?
l Portability: Will it fit in a pocket, purse, or backpack?
l Presentation: Does it look polished enough for professional settings?
l Functionality: Does it lay flat? Is it compatible with your preferred binding style?
Choosing the wrong size can result in a frustrating user experience or poor alignment with your brand identity. The good news? Getting it right is easy—with the right guidance.
2. Understanding Notebook Sizing Systems:
ANSI Standard Paper Size
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) created a set of paper sizes, starting with the Letter size (8.5" x 11") and moving up to larger sizes labeled A, B, C, D, and E. This system was established in 1992, long after the ISO paper size standards had already been defined. The Letter size paper was adopted as the standard in the United States government in 1921 and became more widespread in the 1980s. In ANSI, Letter paper is often referred to as "Ledger" or "Tabloid" when it’s used for larger documents.
Unlike the ISO sizes, which all follow a consistent aspect ratio of 1:√2, the ANSI sizes have two different ratios: 1:1.2941 for smaller sizes and 1:1.5455 for larger ones. This makes it more difficult to scale between sizes, leading to larger margins when you move from one size to another.
The A-series paper, especially A4, is the most widely used in English-speaking countries. It was first introduced in Europe in the 19th century and is based on the ISO 216 standard. This system ensures that each paper size in the A-series has the same aspect ratio. A key feature of this system is that to get a smaller size, you simply fold the larger size in half. For example, folding an A4 sheet in half will give you an A5-sized booklet.
Format | Width × Height (mm) | Width × Height (in) |
A3 | 297 × 420 | 11.7 × 16.5 |
A4 | 210 × 297 | 8.3 × 11.7 |
A5 | 148 × 210 | 5.8 × 8.3 |
A6 | 105 × 148 | 4.1 × 5.8 |
A7 | 74 × 105 | 2.9 × 4.1 |
A8 | 52 × 74 | 2 × 2.9 |
The B-series paper sizes are less commonly used but do have some specific applications. For example, the ID-3 passport size is similar to a B7, and books are often bound in B5 size. The dimensions of B-series sheets are based on the geometric mean between the corresponding sizes of the A-series. For instance, a B5 sheet sits comfortably between the A4 and A5 sizes.
The B-series sizes fill the gap between the A-series sizes, offering a smoother transition from larger to smaller options. Having access to both A and B paper sizes allows users to choose more precisely based on their specific needs and preferred way of working.
Format | Width × Height (mm) | Width × Height (in) |
B3 | 353 × 500 | 13.9 × 19.7 |
B4 | 250 × 353 | 9.8 × 13.9 |
B5 | 176 × 250 | 6.9 × 9.8 |
B6 | 125 × 176 | 4.9 × 6.9 |
B7 | 88 × 125 | 3.5 × 4.9 |
B8 | 62 × 88 | 2.4 × 3.5 |
3. Compare Notebook Sizes at a Glance
Notebook Size | Dimensions (mm) | Best For |
A4 | 210 × 297 | Office, reports, professional writing |
B5 | 176 × 250 | Education, larger journals |
A5 | 148 × 210 | Everyday use, bullet journaling |
B6 | 125 × 176 | Creative writing, to-do lists |
A6 | 105 × 148 | Pocket notes, travel |
Pocket / B7 | 90 × 125 | On-the-go notes, sketches |
Card Book | 62 × 88 | Micro-notes, sticky labels |
Letter (ANSI) | 216 × 279 | US office documents |
Junior Legal | 127 × 203 | Field notes, business meetings |
4. Match Notebook Size to Your Purpose
For Travel and On-the-Go
Card Book, B7, A6
These notebooks are lightweight, pocketable, and perfect for journaling, quick notes, or creative bursts while commuting or traveling.
For Study or Daily Notes
A5, B5
Ideal for students and professionals who need ample writing space without carrying something bulky. A5 notebooks are especially popular with bullet journalers.
For Creative Projects
B6, A5, A4
Need space for mind-mapping, sketching, or doodling? Go with B5 or A4. Choose B6 or A5 if you want something more compact without sacrificing too much writing area.
For Business and Office Use
A4, Letter, Junior Legal
Choose A4 or US Letter size when you want something that aligns with printed documents, presentations, or legal papers.
5. Detailed Size Breakdowns: Which One’s Right for You?
A6 (105 × 148 mm)
Best for: Pocket notes, quick reminders, travelers
Pros: Fits in small bags or jacket pockets
Watch out for: Limited writing space
A5 (148 × 210 mm)
Best for: Journals, daily planners, class notes
Pros: Most versatile size on the market
Watch out for: Might feel small for extensive writing or sketching
B6 (125 × 176 mm)
Best for: Personal diaries, creative journaling
Pros: Balance between portability and space
Watch out for: Slightly harder to find in some markets
B5 (176 × 250 mm)
Best for: College notebooks, detailed planners
Pros: Offers plenty of room while still being portable
Watch out for: Not pocket-friendly
A4 (210 × 297 mm)
Best for: Reports, office writing, presentations
Pros: Professional appearance; compatible with printers
Watch out for: Too large for mobility
6. Bonus Tips: Choose Binding Styles That Match the Size
Small sizes (A6, B7): Go well with saddle stitch or spiral binding for portability.
Medium sizes (A5, B6, B5): Perfect for case bound, perfect binding, or Singer sewn.
Large sizes (A4, Letter): Best suited for hardcover, coils, or notebooks with inserts.
7. Market Insights: What’s Popular in Each Region?
North America: Letter, A5, Junior Legal
Europe: A5, A4, B5
Japan: B6 and B5 dominate the planner market
Southeast Asia: A5 and Pocket Notebooks are gaining popularity
Final Thoughts: Choose with Purpose
The perfect notebook size is the one that fits your lifestyle. Whether you're a minimalist, a maximalist, a creative, or a corporate professional, there's a notebook size that aligns with your needs. Consider portability, writing habits, and final presentation when making your choice.
At Lion Paper, we specialize in manufacturing notebooks of all sizes with precision, creativity, and care. Whether you're developing a new stationery line or sourcing notebooks for your brand, our team can help you select the perfect format and binding combination.
Contact Lion Paper to request size samples or begin your custom notebook project today.
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