How to Choose the RIGHT Notebook Size 

Such a helpful video! Enjoyed hearing you chat about the different sizes. I too really found a love for the pocket size when traveling and then start to feel claustrophobic and need a bigger journal, which usually is an A5. But lately, I’ve been in a journaling funk and haven’t journaled that much lately and it’s kind of scary - as it’s such a huge part of my identity and my routine. So, I went back to pocket, I think the small space filling up will feel encouraging. Anyway, thanks for the video!

1. To all of you that are here from Howard Stern, WELCOME! I'm thrilled that you're sticking around and even more thrilled that you're interested in journaling. 2. Hi Howard! I'd be seriously honored to chat journaling any dang time of day. 3. Quick thank you to Luke for making & measuring ALL of the notebook sizes in cardboard for us

For the first time ever I went down in size and got a A6 last month. After seeing your journal collection video it inspired me. The simplicity and how light and easy to bring along it is ! I'm loving it so much!! I also stopped doing too many collages and just write. I've been longing for raw journaling and it is feeling so fresh!! I also started using a highlighter pen (It's light pink so it's cute haha) I draw little squiggly lines next to a paragraph I really loved and it makes writing the index so much easier. I just go through every couple of nights and mark what feels special. Those few changes have been so good in my journaling. Sending my love as always Tina ! And I wish you creative fire as well🔥

I’m a loose cannon and jump all around different sizes for different things: A5 for stories, spells, recipes (kinda a catch all), b6 slim for journaling, pocket for on the go, nano (3x4 I believe) for tiny lists. I’ve tried every size out there and these are the ones I go back to

B6 works for me but comp books are definitely more affordable and accessible.

So recognisable to see you switch and try and admire the different practicality and issues of the different sizes. One of the things that influenced my choice was the size of my natural handwriting. I discovered that it was quite large, so writing in an A6 gave me only 3-4 words per sentence. I didn’t like that. So that’s why I have an A5 Leuchtturm 1917 for the past 10 years. Perfect for fountain pens. And for travels I use whatever is practical: B6 A6 and small handwriting. A6 I write in “Portrait “ turning the notebook 90°.

I cannot go smaller than A5 - I’ve tried multiple times and it doesn’t work for me. I can, however, go bigger. Composition size is very comfortable for me and inspires me to add more mixed media to my journaling. That said, I pretty much live in A5.

The cardboard cutouts showing the sizes are genius! It’s so helpful to see all the sizes laid out like that!

So my journal before last was a Barnes & Noble Journal brand called "Studio Oh" dimensions 6.5" x 8.63 And I absolutely loved it. Felt so creative in it. To me it's the perfect size if you add in a lot of scrapbooking elements! My last journal was a huge journal It took me a whole year to fill. And I'm so excited to be back in another Studio Oh Journal from Barnes and Noble! Feeling that creative flow again!

For going out, moleskine pocket soft cover. For journaling at home, leuchtturm A5 hard cover. Both with pen holder and a pen each. Important!

I'm between A5 and B6. I love the B6 but can't find it easily in stores. A5 is cool too. I was obsessing too much over sizes, to the point where it was hindering my journaling practice. Then a friend gifted me a simple A4 notebook because she knows I write a lot. I know A4 is not my "favourite size" but I thought to myself that I'd use it anyway to take a break from going back and forth between A5 and B6 journals without finishing them. Until now, it feels liberating. A4 is huge but I still write in it at home, while on the train or during my work breaks, even while standing. I fold it back on itself. It made me realize that size may not matter as much as I thought. But then, I know small sizes feel a bit cramped for me. I mean, smaller than B6. I feel like I'll run out of pages.

I'm currently using an a5 size journal but your video just made me wantto try the b6 size 🤔 I'm very excited to try that for my next journal !

Loved your take on this, thanks for sharing. I actually like the standard size for journaling! I use a Traveler's Notebook and the inserts are thin...I keep a dated weekly planner insert from TN to write little bits each day and either write or throw in pics or random other bits on the blank right side of the page. And in the same TN I keep a blank/lined notebook for journaling. I'm doing good to finish one journal in a year! I know...so little writing. I feel I mostly turn to my journal when either feeling really bad or really good. The days in between I'm happy with just writing in the dated insert. Otherwise, at times I do other journal prompts, specific writings (like morning pages/gratitude journaling, etc) in other notebooks. And those can range in size from pocket to a5 and once in a while I break out the composition/cahier size.

Hey Tina! Really helpful video as always

Loved this, thank you so much. My top 3 I’d have to say are A5, A6 and pocket. I like to switch it around. Like you said, that’s part of the fun!

Oh my gosh I love you, that helped me out so much. I've been writing in a B6 . I did get a little one like the travel size and I love brain dumping in that one. The B6 is more for personal journaling, like my feelings and opinions. Thank you so much for this video. You Rock!

I am seriously all over the place, and this year dove back into multiple journals…so I am currently in an A5 for bullet journaling, B6 slim for long form journaling, a Pocket for “nature”/travel journaling, and a Passport size insert for my fountain pen ink log. I think I need to teach myself that finishing a notebook is not the point for me, and I need to be okay with being in a notebook for longer periods of time. It really takes the pressure off me that way. I have also journaled in composition (aka B5), Standard, B6, and A6. For journaling, I definitely can’t go bigger than B5/composition. But otherwise, I have no real preference…just what suits my tastes of the moment. 😉

I’m an avid journaler (all because of your channel I might add ;)) and after some experimentation, I landed on an a5 Leuchtturm. Been using them for years. I never thought about it until hearing you mention it, but I think I was drawn to it because of the squareness. I tried traveler’s notebook size and hated it with a passion. Turns out Leuchtturm also makes an a6. So I’m thinking I might give them a go. I’ve been curious about a smaller sized notebook as of late. This video was perfect timing! Thanks so much, Tina!

I find that I definitely started out with bigger journals (around the size of a standard 5 subject college ruled notebook) and worked my way down in size (simply because they were easier to carry) but I tried not that long ago to go into a variety of pocket sizes and they were just too small to put into one page what I wanted for a spread. But I love the pocket ones they are so cute! I'm trying to find another use for the pocket ones but in the mean time I'll stick with A5!

9:02 I absolutely love “like how do you turn the page” 😂😂😂😂 i am also left handed and I don’t like narrow notebooks either!

I'm currently in a B6 slim. Previously was in a pocket, and I love the added space. A6 is also my go to size. 😊

I really love journals in a jumbo size like the ones they sell on CVS the plan ahead ones💙💙💙

I binge watched your videos last night, I started a morning pages journal this morning thankyou for sharing your tips !!!

Fellow lefty with my first fountain pen, Lamy AL-Star, and a bold nib to boot! Noticed my journaling growing stagnant, so towards the end of my 14th (yes, I just counted), I switched from spiral bound sketchbooks to the Strathmore Softcover sketchbook. I also got the cream drawing paper and a mixed media softcover. All 5.5" x 8". Loving the new sensation of being able to roll and flex the journal. I noticed you were doing that too. Thanks for all you share. Loving your videos from the Snowy Montana Rockies.

Hi I am also left handed, at home I write in an A5 and I carry an A6 in my handbag, both also are spiral due to be left handed.

Awesome video!! Great to see all the comparisons. ❤️ It’s worth mentioning that most of the sizes you covered here are not technically North American standard sizes - they’re international sizing (esp the sizes starting with A and B). For example, a B6 is actually 4.9”x6.9”, which is very close to the standard 5”x7” North American size. And A5 is 5.8”x8.3”, which is very close to standard North American “half-letter” size of 8.5”x5.5.” (Letter size is 8.5”x11”). North American composition notebooks actually come in slightly varying but similar sizes - all considered standard. 9.75”x7.5” (most common), 9.75″ x 7.25″, and 10”x7 7/8” (the marble composition brand TOPS has these). I’ve become a bit of an expert on composition books because I’m weirdly obsessed with them. 😄

I am currently in a B6 slim and really enjoying it! A fellow leftie and broad nib lover! My writing just never looks as good in finer nibs… I wonder if it had to do with the fact that we’re “pushing” the pen, instead of pulling??? Medium and braid bibs just glide over the leg for me! Thanks again for sharing. I always enjoy your videos ☺️. Am also interested in hearing more about the Howard Stern thing… both you and Adventure Denali! What a fascinating world we live in!

Maybe it's my Sagittarius showing but I have never really thought a lot about the sizes of the notebooks I've used. This is really interesting to look more deeply and think about what size works for me. I've kinda been on my journey through life, I let notebooks find me, if I am shopping and one really catches my eye then I'm never too daunted by the idea of switching up size or look

“Journaling” has become such a broad term, I find myself using basically one of each standard A&B size each for something different. My reading log is composition & I can’t imagine it being A5 like so many RU-vidrs. My “everyday” journal is A5, my work notebook B6, my 5year journal: B6 slim (diy), and A6 for my daily Bible “journal.” I love each size for their designated use!

I’ve been journaling since I was 9 but lost a lot of them moving over the years 😞 but honestly I buy a journal I’m most attracted to and most of my journals are just a lot of writing

definitely agree with the boxy vibes you were talking about. im currently using an A5 dotted hardcover and im loving it! B6 is great too! I had that in highschool and i think once im done with my A5 I'm gonna try B6 again

Awesome video! Lefty here too! I used A5 for school so my journals from my teens where in that size then I moved to Japan and fell in love with the standard size and I find it very satisfying for sketching but for journaling it's too short and fills up quickly. I've bought a b6 slim to try out with some 56gsm paper and I feel super fancy, like in the Victorian era 😅

I have been journaling for decades. I switch sizes pretty often. I have a big collection to choose from so it's always what feels right at the current time.

A5 is my absolute favorite 😍. I also love a good old composition notebook too.

Hey cousin! I haven’t seen you in so long! Im happy to see your channel is growing so well. It’s Matty btw

I think my favorite size notebook is A5 but I might try some smaller sizes maybe B6 or A6

I’m using a moleskine XL now, but have tried a bunch of different sizes too. This was an awesome overview! Especially for beginners.also I had to look up how to pronounce cahier too, apparently it’s more like Ki-yay! It means notebook in French. Who knew!!! Haha

You make a great point about a large notebook becomes a huge project to complete/finish.

Omg pen twin! Lol i found that it is really smooth and it’s my fav pen ever

Leuchtturm has some B6 notebooks i believe. I currently have a travelers notebook standard size and kinda love it but also NOT loving it. It’s not quite right! Size is fine but I want a hardcover😫

Thank you for this video! 😊I honestly think I have to try smaller sizes because I have this tendency to abandon journals when it takes too long to fill them out (a tendency that made me not keep a journal for a decade...) so I think my next one will be a pocket size! However, I purchased a Peter Pauper Press hardcover back in November and I discovered that I NEED a journal that I can bend. Even if this PPP is beautiful with its gilded-gold page edging, I hate writing in it and I feel like I haven't journaled lately because of that. I'm determined to complete it, but I know now I'm most comfortable with spiral/small notebooks. 😌

12:33 - I was pretty damn set on the Leuchtturm B6+ Paperback, but that shot there made me realise that I want the standard A5 for sure, as far as the image I have in my head of what I'll be doing with it. With small pages, the more of a giant section of writing (paragraphs or not) something looks, the less I want to read it (like reading the same message on a monitor, versus a phone screen). I want a big section of writing to still be a generally relatively small chunk of the page, not taking over and making you lose track of the cohesive whole. My natural handwriting is also pretty big. Plus, A5 still isn't that large of a foot print like the sizes above it. Also If I wanted, A5 has all the cover options, that hardly even exist at all for B6+ Edit: I now have my A5 notebook, and I made the right choice. It's tiny! but still a nice size.

First time viewer of your channel. I was agreeing with all your sizing preferences. Then you said you're a lefty! Same!

I know that you didn't mention them, but a blank drawing journal!! I have been using this format for a few years. It at least displays everything I'm going through.

I used composition books for years putting in teachings, journaling, memory keeping. For many of those years i didn't know to make an index--duh! but still they are full full. A5 has been the side gig dear diary and there's just enough room. A standard is the actual to do booklet [I have a fortune in covers and they always bug me!! they end up being the graveyard for inserts--I have standard, field notes and just added an A5 graveyard] A notebook or an insert always feels portable and even when not going as much, when I do I have room to carry without bulk or weight. Thanks for the great reminder of all sizes and a sticky note of them is permanently in my A5.

First time visitor and viewer of you content. You were very articulate about the description of each journal size, Your input as a veteran journaler was golden. Maybe for a more specific video, you can explain what are the limits of each size as far as journaling goes. Like you mentioned, some people like putting picture drawing in their journaling etc. The thing that made me very sad was I just invested a bunch in The Travelers Notebook, Regular and Passort size for organizing and journaling , and you mentioned the flaw in there narrow sizes. Especially for left hander, ( like me). What do I do now? lol, anyways thanks for the feedback. I did buy a Lechteum1917 A5, so I may use it more , based upon your feedback.

I just realized I couldn’t keep up with journaling because I kept buying a size and style that didn’t fit me. I like smaller size to journal because it’s less intimidating, soft covers and be able to fully open them, not too expensive so I’m not intimidated to ensure what I write there is worthy of the price tag. Didn’t know all of that until you mentioned sit in the past few binge worthy videos I’ve been watching from you. So thank you 😊

Such a helpful video. I’m also a lefty and have been using standard travelers notebooks for journaling since 2016, just because it was popular at the time. Flash forward to 2021 when I finally tried a b6 Stalogy...game changer! Now every time I try to use my tn, I just feel uncomfortable in it 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you!! I'm a beginner but i personally feel that smaller notebooks are more intimidating since i can't fit that many words on each page... And im not so "efficient" with my words/explanations haha. I've previously used A5 notebooks but always felt that it feels a bit too small/narrow to comfortably write on so I'm considering getting the B5 next time. I like to be able to rest my hand on something! Once I get better at writing, and figure out how i want to use it, i might also prefer a smaller one. I haven't yet figured out how to use it or what i want to include. Time will tell 😊

luke is so sweet for cutting these all out for you! also funny enough I started big and have been going smaller (like you). Leftover school spiral notebooks... those rip too easily so then I started in left over composition books and those are really nice... since then I've done a mix of standard and handmade journals that carried in size. I've only had one journal I didn't really like ( out of a LOT) and it was only an occasion journal so I didn't have to deal with it everyday :)

I have recently bought a leather cover for A5 size - I have been using a weird size (170x200 mm) for 3 and ahalf years and I wanted a change. I also really wanted to try different types of paper for a more fun experience with fountain pens, and A5 is really widely available in so many different papers. But now that I have started using it (and started a notebook in it that will last me probably until april) it feels a bit too big. Not as portable as I would like. I have used so many sizes before, and the 170x200 and A5 are the largest. I filled a truly tiny one once, probably smaller than passport - that was definitely too small. Seriously thinking of getting a B6 now! ...and maybe a leather cover for that size too? I do love a leather cover. And as you say, change is fun!

My very favorite note book came from Barnes and Noble. It was imported from Nepal and women made with amazing paper. I can no longer get that journal and have had the hardest time finding something equivalent. I have begun to make journals as gifts, but not for myself. It is funny - for me it is both size and the paper. Thank you for this video.

I haven't tried it, but being lefthanded, I might try writing in a landscape orientation.

I plan on using two big journals for both Poetry and stories and I can't wait to start writing in them 📓🖊✔️

Tina!!! You are def my soul sister!! Lol! Write everywhere until you crave one size!! It’s nice to have different to choose from but there is ALWAYS one size a journaler calls HOME!♥️

This helps me out a lot! Thank you!

I loved this video, the current journal I’m using at the minute I feel is to big but don’t want to leave it unfinished 🙈

Traveler's company traveler's notebook in the Standard TN size is THE BEST!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍

Really enjoyed this video! Would you consider making a video of your favorite pens including ballpoint, fountain pen, etc? Would love to know which ballpoint or gel pen is your favorite if you can comment back here !

Where did you find your thick, A6 notebook. This is the size that I use for journaling and most of what I find are fairly thin. Very informative video!

I agree, those narrow notebooks are too narrow for me. Part of me thinks the A5, B6, and A6 follows a kind of golden ratio for journals. They feel more like traditional novel sizes than the glorified shopping list vibe of standard TNs. :P I am using a B6 now, but I'm itching to give the A6 another chance 🤔 We'll see...

I used use to journal in nothing larger than a signature size for the longest time however, I love the accessibility of an a5. Every store has them. At the moment I am in my favorite sizes ,a6 and a5.

I've been jouraling for a shocking 38 years (I just realised that... wow..) and I've tried all sizes known to man. My first was just a bit smaller than A5 but not quite A6, when I was in highschool and I did most of my journaling on my desk at home I had A4 (close to Composition Notebook size), I have had the Traveler's notebook rectangle sized notebooks, but now that I do most of my journaling sitting on the sofa I prefer A5 or A6. I am currently using a Hobonichi Cousin for one page a day as well as an A5 notebook for more long-form journaling.

I started journaling about a week and a half ago, (thanks Howard), and mine seems to be an odd size you didn't mention (or I missed it), 5.5" by 8". I definitely did not want to go with a full size composition book as I knew I would be intimidated at the thought of filling a page. At this size I feel a sense of accomplishment when I fill a page and I even went three pages yesterday. I know it's not about quantity but I think it speaks to the ease with which I'm taking to it. Thanks for all the helpful videos.

Strong Sorelle vibes OMG. Mannerisms, voice, even general aesthetics. Wow

This video is such a gem! Thanks for the details and insights. Where did you find that particular A6 sized journal? The only things I'm finding now are somewhat in-between or merging of sizes of the A6 and Pocket. Thanks!!

The French word Cahier, is pronounced "Cah-yay." I am personally not beholden to any particular size of notebook; yet, the A5 sizing FEELS quite satisfying and abundantly represented among my many years worth of Journals/Diaries. I am far and away more drawn to the exterior of the notebook being aesthetically unique, elegant, and vintage or vintage-inspired. I also require that the pages contain fairly-narrow, college-ruled lines. Pocket sizes have not yet spoken to my spirit. I am however, perpetually open-minded. ✍ ✍ ✍

You have no idea how grateful I am that there are amazing people like yourself that take the time to make videos like this. It helped me so much. You're rad. THANK YOU P.S - You have beautiful eyes

I flip between A5 Leuchtturms and my travelers notebook for journaling. Sometimes it depends on the volume of writing and other times I just miss one journal more than the other!

I think my leather journal is an A5.

I have finally, after 43 years of journaling ( I am 57) settled these last few years to A5 and a Standard or A5 slim. My bookcase of previous notebooks looks messy no matter what but it’s because of the many different sizes that it looks so disheveled. So I am pleased to finally feel settled.

Life-long journaler here! Composition size is my old faithful for daily journaling. I tend to bounce around and use specific sizes for different things though. The B6 is my most recent loved size for smaller projects. I tried the signature / traveler's sized notebooks and just cannot get into it. They're too slim! Thanks for sharing!

Baba Booey!!!

Hello from the Philippines! I guess I am as “square” as you are coz I also love the sizes A5, B6, and A6. And I hate that there’s very few choices of B6 where I am from. Thanks for your video on sizes.

Before you purchase a notebook how do you determine if the paper can handle fountain pen ink?

For studying what would be the best size? I like the a5 but fear it might be too small?

As a leftie the A5, B6 Slim, and the A6 are totally my favs.... The flatter the better

A5 is the one and only size for me, cant go smaller because of my handwriting and i like the freedom to collage but i also dont feel confortable with a bigger size, it just feels like my journal is a secret and the bigger it gets, the easier its for people to read unintetionally

Not me having been carrying around a massive 5 subject notebook for the past couple years only to realize I’m running out of space. I’m debating if I’d like a smaller notebook that can fit in my pocket or if I should keep lugging around massive notebooks everywhere I go

What is the best way to contact you! -Alexis

Tina, I was wondering if you’ve found a pen you like again as much as your clear Bic pens. I see target has a recycled materials bic that folks seem to enjoy. I’ve been binge watching your videos today as I “kon Mari” some areas of my home. I too, get writing fatigue in my hands and wrist and prefer lighter pens. I did t like the Dr Grip- they were actually too heavy for me! I’m using pigmy micron right now as usual, but I’m feeling like a nice, cheap ball point will do me well with faster flow. This micron is great, but I’m feeling the pull to move to ball point so I can see if it makes a difference in speed of writing. Not that I want to rush, but this type of felt tip pens isn’t exactly conducive to anger/ anxiety journaling when I want to scribble/ write. Does that make sense? Anyone else have any cheap ball point loves?

A6 format is half of the A5 which is also half of the A4. A4 being standard page size in Europe.

Thanks for this video. I’m a fellow leftie and it means I’m most comfortable in journals that naturally lie flat so I’m not fighting to hold it open.

I’ve only ever had A5!

Such a helpful video! I absolutely loved this Tina! I’m currently in a black cover A5 Leuchtturm, but I’d love to explore A6! Looks like such a cosy size. Where did you get your A6 notebook from? All I can find are ones with only 40 pages in it which is much too little for me!

I love the pocket, but my fingers are so long that it's hard sometimes to hold my pen when it gets towards the end of the page. 🤷🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️ The pocket Moleskine is my favorite Stationary addicts have a hard time choosing the right anything 😭😂

i just want a tiny baby journal that can fit in my pocket ive been obsess with small notebooks after i brought one a few weeks ago it was my first mini tiny journal and i love it

Update: I found a link to your chunky a6 in the comments but it’s currently out of stock! Any other recommendations?

2:57 just write in the landscape mode (turn your Standard TN notebook) , there is plenty of space this way🤣

Where’d you get that A6 chunky book? I love it!!!

1:03 That's what she said...

I have been journaling, on and off, for about 12 years.

Out of topic but a question Is it ok to restart your diary? like the same diary by tearing the used pages i like the fresh feeling and feel like my diarys been getting a little bland and wanted to restart

I am a square too, if it’s not an A5 shape i HATE IT. Lol. I used to love moleskins until i learned about traditional A5 shape with better quality paper of other journals.

It’s the next day and I am watching it again 😂🥰

You are so beautiful. Inside and out. I really love your style. I’m so happy to find you.

I'm sure someone has said already, but just in case - 'cahier' is said 'ca-yay', with a French accent if you're freeling sophistiqué ;) I'm pretty much wedded now to the large softcover moleskine. I first bought moleskines because they were the '''writer's notebook''' and I wanted to *feel* like a writer. Silly of course, but it's one of the only purchases made with that 'buy this thing to become this person' mindset that's actually stuck long term. I know the quality isn't the best I could get for the price, but they get me picking them up and working in them in a way that no other notebook does. Partially psychological I think, but their size definitely helps. I love that I can write pages and pages of long hand, but also have room to glue things in or make mini mood boards while small things like lists and poems don't get lost on huge pages. Really interesting to look through the comments and see how different people have such specific dimensions that work for them!

Could you give us the dimensions in metric as well? (Cm) Since the majority of the world uses that :)

Can you maybe take us with you when you go to purchase a new journal? :)

I have one even tinier than passport!