# How to Choose a Notebook That Suits the Way You Write

> A nice cover gets your attention. The size, paper and binding decide whether you'll enjoy using the notebook once you get it home.

Canonical URL: https://serynix.com/blog/how-to-choose-a-notebook/
Author: Serynix Editorial Team
Published: 2026-10-10
Topic: Smart Buying

The cover is the easy part. You know whether you like it.

The awkward bits tend to show up later. The pages keep closing while you write. Your usual pen shows through to the back. Or the notebook takes up so much room in your bag that you start leaving it at home.

If you're wondering how to choose a notebook, start with three things: what you write, where you write and the pen you normally use. Those will tell you far more than a label that says “premium”.

For short everyday notes, an A5 lined notebook is a sensible starting point. If you draw diagrams or write large, try a bigger page. Before buying, check that the notebook opens comfortably and the paper works with your pen.

Here's what to look at more closely.

*Serynix has not tested individual notebooks for this guide. It uses published specifications and practical buying checks, and contains no paid recommendations.*

## Start with a page you've already written

Take a look at a recent page of your notes.

Do you fill it with paragraphs? Draw arrows between ideas? Squeeze extra comments into the margins? Keep tearing pages out to hand to someone?

Those little habits tell you what to buy.

For example, if your lecture notes include diagrams with explanations beside them, a small notebook might leave you constantly running out of width. If you only write shopping lists and reminders, you may prefer something small enough to keep with you.

Also think about where you sit. A notebook that stays on a desk can be larger and heavier than one you carry all day. If you often write without a table, try a firm cover or backing that supports the page.

Choose for the job you'll do most often.

## Notebook sizes: A5 vs B5 and the other common options

Size affects both how much you can fit on a page and how likely you are to carry the notebook.

These are useful reference dimensions:

| Size | Paper dimensions | A practical use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | Short lists, reminders and notes in a small bag |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | Meeting notes, journalling and everyday writing |
| B5, Japanese JIS size | 182 × 257 mm | Class notes, worked examples and diagrams |
| A4 | 210 × 297 mm | Detailed notes and larger layouts at a desk |

The A-series and Japanese B5 measurements above appear in [Epson's paper specifications](https://files.support.epson.com/docid/cpd5/cpd59234/source/specifications/references/wf7820_7840/spex_paper_spc_wf7820_7840.html). Notebook covers and coils can make the finished book larger than its pages.

### A5 vs B5 notebook: which should you choose?

Try A5 if you want something relatively compact for daily notes. Try B5 if you often wish you had room for another column, a diagram or a longer calculation.

A quick way to judge A5 is to fold a sheet of A4 paper in half. Write a few normal lines on one side. Does that feel comfortable, or are you already trying to fit too much in?

**Check the actual dimensions when buying B5.** Size labels can differ by system and brand. For instance, KOKUYO lists [this Semi-B5 notebook](https://www.kokuyo.com/en/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/12401/) at 179 × 252 mm, smaller than the JIS B5 size in the table.

That difference matters if you're buying a fitted cover or matching refills. Check thickness and any protruding binding as well.

## Dotted vs lined notebook: match the page to your notes

If you mostly write sentences, lined paper is an easy starting point. If you mix writing with boxes, trackers or sketches, dots may suit you better.

The useful question is whether the guides help with what you actually put on the page.

| Page layout | Useful when you... | Check before buying |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lined | Write paragraphs, meeting notes or lists | Whether the line spacing suits your handwriting |
| Dot grid | Mix notes with diagrams, tables or planning layouts | Whether the dots are visible enough without distracting you |
| Square grid | Work with numbers, charts or aligned diagrams | Whether the squares give you enough room |
| Blank | Sketch, draw mind maps or prefer an open page | Whether you're comfortable writing without guides |

Spacing is easy to overlook. Small, neat writing may fit narrow lines comfortably. Larger handwriting may feel cramped.

If your current notebook makes you skip every other line, compare one with wider spacing. And look at an actual page photo when buying online. A cover photograph tells you very little about how the inside will feel to use.

## What does notebook paper GSM actually tell you?

GSM means **grams per square metre**. It describes paper weight for a given area, rather than directly measuring thickness. Paper manufacturer [Mohawk explains the distinction between weight and thickness](https://www.mohawkconnects.com/article/mohawk-blog/choosing-right-paper-right-job).

A bigger number doesn't tell you whether your handwriting will look better or whether your ink will smudge.

For ordinary ballpoint or pencil notes, start by checking how a basic writing notebook handles what you use. For fountain pens, rollerballs and wet inks, look for information about ink performance as well as GSM.

You don't automatically need very heavy paper for a fountain pen. For example, Rhodia lists its [Webnotebook in its fountain-pen collection with 90 gsm paper](https://rhodiapads.com/explore_pen_webnotebook.php). That is a specification example, not a promise that every 90 gsm notebook will behave the same way.

Watch for three different issues:

- **Ghosting:** you can see the writing through the paper, but the ink hasn't soaked through.
- **Bleed-through:** ink reaches the other side of the sheet.
- **Feathering:** ink spreads sideways, making the edges of letters look fuzzy.

A little ghosting may not bother you. If it makes the reverse side difficult to read, it matters for how you'll use the notebook.

Drying time matters too. Hobonichi notes that its thin Tomoe River paper can behave differently depending on the pen, ink, ink quantity and writing conditions, and [recommends testing your pen](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/faq/articles/4905460944926.html).

If you plan to use paint or alcohol markers, check for paper intended for that medium. A high GSM number alone isn't enough information.

## Spiral vs bound notebook: check where your hand rests

A spiral notebook can usually fold back on itself, which is handy on a small desk. The drawback is the coil: it may sit exactly where you want to rest your hand.

A book-style notebook avoids an exposed side coil, but you need to check how comfortably it opens. Sewn and glued designs vary. Don't assume a notebook will stay flat just because it has a particular binding label.

For a broader explanation of the formats, [Levenger compares spiral, fixed-bound and refillable notebooks](https://www.levenger.com/blogs/disc-bound-systems-circa-vs-the-alternatives/composition-bound-and-discbound-notebooks-compared).

If you're shopping in person, open a display copy near the beginning, middle and end. Rest your hand as though you're writing on both sides. Can you reach the inner edge without holding everything down?

This is especially worth trying if side bindings bother your writing hand. A top-bound pad is another option, provided you're happy with pages that flip upwards.

If you need to rearrange notes, consider a refillable notebook or binder. Check that matching refills are easy to get and reasonably priced.

## Check pages, sheets and the extras you'll actually use

**One sheet has two sides, so 80 sheets normally means 160 pages.** Check which term the seller uses.

More pages can be useful, but they also add bulk. A thick notebook isn't better value if you dislike carrying it or only write in the first third.

Think about what happens to the pages, too. If you regularly hand over notes, look for perforations that let you remove a sheet cleanly. If you're keeping a journal, removable pages may offer little benefit.

Extras are worth paying for when you use them:

- A bookmark helps you find your current page.
- Page numbers help when you refer back to earlier notes.
- A pocket can hold a few loose slips.
- An elastic closure keeps the book shut in a bag.

You can like the cover, too. Just check the practical bits before paying extra for it.

## Try this quick notebook test before buying

If the shop provides a sample or gives permission, use the pen you normally carry.

1. Write a couple of sentences at your usual speed and pressure.
2. Wait as long as you normally would before moving your hand across the writing or turning the page. Check for smearing.
3. Turn the sheet over and see whether the back is still comfortable to read and write on.
4. If you use a highlighter, try it over dried writing.
5. Check whether your hand catches on the binding and whether the notebook stays open.

You don't need to test every pen you own. Start with the one you'll use most.

If you're buying online, look for photographs of writing on both sides of the exact notebook you're considering. Reviews are more useful when they mention the pen or ink used.

With an unfamiliar notebook, buy one before ordering a multipack.

## Make the final choice with three requirements

Before comparing prices, write down your three priorities. For example:

> Fits my work bag. Has room for meeting notes. Works with my usual gel pen.

Or:

> Enough space for maths exercises. Opens comfortably. Affordable to replace.

Use those to narrow the options. Then compare the total cost, including delivery, and check the seller's return terms. Don't assume you'll be able to return a notebook after writing in it.

The [US Federal Trade Commission's online-shopping guide](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-shopping) recommends checking the full cost, return policies and reviews from more than one source.

Once you've found a notebook that meets your needs, give it an ordinary job straight away. Write tomorrow's list, take it to your next class or use it for your next meeting.

After a few pages, you'll know what you like and what you'd change next time. That's more useful than buying three expensive notebooks and being afraid to mess up any of them.

## Sources and further reading

- [FTC Online Shopping](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/online-shopping)
- [Epson Paper Specifications](https://files.support.epson.com/docid/cpd5/cpd59234/source/specifications/references/wf7820_7840/spex_paper_spc_wf7820_7840.html)
- [KOKUYO Campus Semi-B5 Notebook Specifications](https://www.kokuyo.com/en/stationery/category/notebook-paper/notebook/12401/)
- [Mohawk Choosing the Right Paper for the Right Job](https://www.mohawkconnects.com/article/mohawk-blog/choosing-right-paper-right-job)
- [Hobonichi Paper and Pen Compatibility](https://www.1101.com/store/techo/en/faq/articles/4905460944926.html)
- [Rhodia Webnotebook Paper Specifications](https://rhodiapads.com/explore_pen_webnotebook.php)
- [Levenger Notebook Binding Comparison](https://www.levenger.com/blogs/disc-bound-systems-circa-vs-the-alternatives/composition-bound-and-discbound-notebooks-compared)