Finding the Ideal Notebook Size for Your Writing and Creative Projects
Notebook size come in all shapes and measurements. While we have international sizing (A4, A3, A5 21 x 13, A6 etc.) without having the physical notebook in front of us, we’ve likely all had that moment where we thought it looked/bigger or smaller in the picture! And that is true for Moleskine fans, who have their own standard sizing. But we’ll get to that.
Here are a few quick rules of thumb on notebook sizes:
- Large, medium, or small are not specific or exact sizes. Now, when manufacturers talk about size in these terms, they are talking about their own range, which is not relative to other notebook brands.
- Get a ruler out and physically see the measurements in a listing. Your mental perception of a measurement is often quite different from what it actually is when you see it in front of you.
- Regarding notebook sizes, this is in terms of dimension, not thickness or number of pages. However, when you are notebook shopping, ensure you understand the number of sheets vs pages, as both can be used. One sheet is usually two pages (a back and a front).
Notebook size – Standard paper sizes
The most easily understandable and consistent notebook sizing are those that use ‘standard’ paper sizes. These most commonly include the A series and B series; these come from ISO print standards, which means they are consistent.
In the UK and many other nations, A4 is the most common paper size — it’s the size used in photocopiers, for example. It’s also a common notebook size. Moreover, A5 is also extremely common in notebooks. (In fact, the only countries where this standard is not common are the USA, Canada & Mexico).
The B series of standard sizes is also quite common, especially in Japanese and Korean notebooks.
So, the handy way to remember the relationship of any A sizes is that each size is half of the smaller number. So A4 is half of A3, A5 is half of A4, A6 is half of A5, and so on!
Notebook paper size measurements A series:
A3: 297 x 420 mm (11.7 x 16.5 in)
A4: 210 x 297 mm (8.3 x 11.7 in)
A5: 148 x 210 mm (5.8 x 8.3 in)
A6: 105 x 148 mm (4.1 x 5.8 in)
A7: 74 x 105 mm (2.9 x 4.1 in)
Notebook paper size measurements B series:
B5: 176 x 250mm (6.9 x 9.8 in)
B6: 125 x 176mm (4.9 x 6.9 in)
B7: 88 x 125mm (3.5 x 4.9 in)
Moleskine Notebook sizes
Moleskine does not use standard paper sizes for their notebooks — all sizes are custom to Moleskine.
Moleskine Cahier Notebook size measurements
Pocket: 9 x 14 cm (3.54 x 5.51 in)
Large: 13 x 21 cm (5.11 x 8.27 in)
Extra Large: 19 x 25 cm (7.5 x 9.84 in)
Moleskine Classic Notebook size measurements
Extra Small: 6.5 x 10.5cm (2.55 x 3.93 in)
Pocket: 9 x 14 cm (3.54 x 5.51 in)
Large: 13 x 21 cm (5.11 x 8.27 in)
Extra Large: 19 x 25 cm (7.5 x 9.84 in)
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Sizes for Your Notebook
Whether you prefer the portability of pocket-sized notebooks, the versatility of A5, or the ample space of A4, the right size can make a significant difference in your daily tasks and creative projects. Consider your lifestyle, usage habits, and personal preferences when choosing your next notebook. Furthermore, with the perfect size, you’ll be well-equipped to capture your thoughts, ideas, and plans efficiently and effectively. All in all, we hope this article has provided you with valuable insights into the various notebook sizes available and how each can serve different purposes.