Purchasing guide: which type of notebook to choose

Small or large squares, A4 or A5 size, paperback or spiral... With all the options on the market, choosing the right notebook can be a real headache. Whether for work, study or leisure, our guide will help you find the right notebook for your needs.

The different sizes of notebooks

Besides the number of pages you want, size is another factor to consider when choosing your future notebook. Depending on what you want to use it for, the size of each notebook can vary considerably. Here is a brief overview.

Standard notebook formats

When we think of standard notebook formats, we always think of large formats, such as the classic A4 or the compact A5. These two notebook formats are the most popular for taking notes during meetings or at school.

Let's take a closer look at these two formats:

The A4 notebook measures 21 x 29.7 cm. The size makes it ideal for courses, meetings and most professional applications. It offers enough space to take detailed notes or stick standard documents.
The A5 notebook measures 14.8 x 21 cm. Its small size makes it easy to carry around. It is a great option for people who are often on the move, running from meeting room to meeting room. The A5 notebook is compact but still offers enough space for taking notes.

Maxi notebooks

Want to think big, really big? Then go for the 24 x 32 cm notebook, the maximum size in the notebook category. This type of notebook is popular with artists, architects and designers who need a lot of space to draw, sketch or jot down ideas.
It is also a commonly used format in classrooms.

Small notebooks

Are you mainly looking for a notebook in which you can quickly scribble notes and which you can easily carry in your handbag or pocket? Then the A6 size (10.5 x 14.8 cm) is your best ally. Perfect for quick notes or making lists (shopping, tasks, to-do's...). With these small formats, you no longer have any excuse not to write down that brilliant hunch on the go!

Selection criteria according to use

Since we do not all use a notebook the same way, it is important to consider certain factors to meet your specific needs, both personal and professional.

Professional use

In the office or when teleworking - in short, for professional use - we recommend you choose a notebook that manages to combine quality and functionality.

Preferably choose the standard A4 and A5 sizes (see above), which are the most suitable for taking notes. Since you will use them often, it is best to choose notebooks with a sturdy binding, spiral or sewn, and a flexible but sturdy cover, such as this sewn Calligraphe notebook with cardboard cover and small squares.

In terms of weight, notebooks with a paper weight of at least 80 g/m² are preferred to avoid ink running through the pages or your notes becoming illegible due to a misplaced ink spot.

Finally, don't hesitate to look for notebooks with numbered pages, or even sections and an index. This will help you immensely when searching for notes.

Personal use

If you use a notebook for scribbling down ideas or writing down your thoughts, you can choose any type of notebook! Yet it is often the smaller formats, such as A5 or A6 (see our first paragraph), that are the most popular. Why? Simply because they are practical and portable. You slip them into a totebag or the pocket of your backpack in no time, and you are ready to go!

Let your desires run wild and don't underestimate the look of your next personal notebook. There are models in all colours and with the most imaginative covers. Also consider notebooks with blank pages, lines, checks or dots, depending on your preference at the time.

Other important features

Besides the number of pages, the size and the design, other elements such as the type of squares, the binding, the paper weight and the cover have a great influence on the writing experience.

Types of squares

There are several setting options to suit your preferences and specific needs:

Notebooks with large lo zenges (or Seyes) and lines are preferred for writing. They are typical of school notebooks! They often have a margin on the left side.
Exercise books with small squares (with or without margin) are ideal for those who prefer to write compactly. They are also very popular for technical drawings, diagrams and graphs.
Notebooks with dotted squares, as the name suggests, consist of dots with spacing. These allow you to write while maintaining a discrete visual reference.

Types of bindings

Binding plays a role in the longevity of a notebook. Simply put, it holds all the pages together. There are three main types of bindings on the school and stationery market:

Spiral or integral binding: all sheets of the notebook are perforated on one side and connected by a metal or plastic spiral.
This means that the notebook can be opened completely flat, which is very practical for writing on all parts of the page without any obstacles.
Stapled or stapled binding: the sheets are stapled to the cover of the notebook. This is the most commonly used binding method and the cheapest.
Sewn or glued (for bound quires): the sheets are joined and glued along the spine to form a quire. Sewn books are very robust and last a long time. With this type of binding, signatures can be opened flat, which is ideal for users who write a lot.

Paper weight

Again, the choice of paper weight depends on the intended use of the notebook.

For everyday office use with ballpoint pens or gel pens, the standard weight of 80 g/m² is suitable.

For those who use and misuse felt tip pens, liquid ink pens or highlighters, a paper weight of 90 g/m² is recommended. It offers better stain resistance and prevents ink from running through the paper.

For other users (India ink, watercolours, etc.), it is advisable to choose notebooks with a higher grammage, between 120 and 160 g/m². This type of paper ensures that the ink holds well.

Coverage and durability

There are two types of covers: hard covers and soft covers.

Hard covers protect the pages better and are ideal for professional and intensive use. As for the latter, although they are less resistant over time, they are lighter and more flexible, which can be an advantage for people who take their notebooks everywhere. Check out Clairefontaine's Polypro models.

Finally, consider using a cover that you slide over the cover to give your notebooks extra protection.

The big brands of notebooks

Choosing a notebook is also a matter of style, depending on your taste and personality. That is why notebook brands such as Calligraphe, Clairefontaine, Conquérant and Oxford are also distinguished by their looks and character. It's up to you to choose your favourite!