Let’s talk about finding your perfect bullet journal size! You might feel a bit lost looking at all the options – trust me, I get it. The smallest bullet journal sizes fit right in your pocket at 3 x 4 inches, while the biggest ones give you a spacious 8 x 10 inches to work with.
Here’s something interesting: A5 journals have become the crowd favorite, and for good reason. They hit that sweet spot where you can easily carry them around while still having plenty of room to write and create. But remember – what works for others might not be the best fit for you and your planning style.
You deserve a journal that feels just right. Let’s walk you through each of the bullet journal sizes, from tiny pocket-sized companions to roomy creative spaces. Ready to find your perfect match? Let’s dive in!
Standard A5 Size – The Perfect Balance of the Bullet Journal Sizes
Meet the A5 bullet journal – the beloved champion of the planning community! This size brings together the best of both worlds, combining easy portability with plenty of creative space.
A5 Bullet Journal Dimensions
Picture this: 5.8 x 8.3 inches (145 x 210 mm) of pure planning potential. The magic happens when you open your journal flat – the spread lines up perfectly with A4 printouts, making it a dream for adding printed materials to your pages.
Why A5 is the most popular bullet journal sizes
The A5 size has won hearts because it works so well for almost everything. Your pages never feel cramped, whether you’re mapping out your year, designing monthly spreads, or keeping detailed daily logs.
Here’s what makes A5 truly shine:
- Slips right into your bag while giving you room to create
- Works beautifully for simple or fancy layouts
- Feels right at home on your desk or in a coffee shop
- Offers the biggest selection of covers and styles
Best A5 Bullet Journal Notebooks
Let me share some standout A5 journals that’ll make your planning dreams come true:
Leuchtturm1917: Packed with 251 pre-numbered pages and a handy index section. The paper handles most pens well, though some ghosting might show through.
Scribbles That Matter: Brings you 160 thick pages plus thoughtful extras like a pen holder, key page, and pen testing space.
SeQes Bullet Journal: Features thick 160 gsm paper that stops ink bleed-through. Comes with bonus goodies – a yearly calendar and stickers.
Archer and Olive: Known for exceptional paper quality. Perfect for everything from daily plans to artistic projects.
Who Should Choose A5
The A5 size might be perfect for you if:
- Your planning style needs both space and portability
- You love trying different layout designs
- Multiple tracking systems fill your pages
- Your journal travels with you daily
Sure, some folks find A5 a bit tricky for quick notes on the move. But there’s a reason it’s the top choice – it gives you creative freedom while staying practical.
Just starting out? A5 welcomes you with open arms. You’ll have plenty of room to explore different layouts without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, since it’s the most common size, you’ll find endless options to match your style and budget.
Compact A6 Size – Ultimate Portability
Ready to take your planning anywhere? The A6 size might be your perfect match! This tiny powerhouse helps you capture brilliant ideas and stay organized wherever life takes you.
A6 Size Specifications
Your A6 companion measures just 105 x 148 mm (4.13 x 5.83 inches) – perfect for slipping into any pocket. Some clever A6 journals even feature a vertical design that unfolds like an A5 page while keeping that pocket-friendly size.
Most A6 notebooks give you 44-48 numbered pages, though some premium options pack up to 400 pages. The dot-grid layout helps you create beautifully structured pages without getting in your way.
Advantages of Small Format Journaling
The A6 size packs some mighty benefits:
- Truly Portable: Slides right into your coat pocket or small bag – always ready when inspiration strikes
- Naturally Minimal: The cozy size keeps you focused on what matters most
- Phone-Free Planning: Many planners tell us they’ve cut screen time by switching to A6 journals
- Quick Setup: Small pages mean faster, simpler layouts
- Meeting-Ready: Perfect for professional settings where bigger notebooks might feel awkward
Top A6 Journal Recommendations
Let me share some A6 stars that’ll make your planning shine:
Muji Passport Memo
- Smooth cream pages that feel like butter
- Handles your favorite pens without bleeding
- Built tough with solid stitching
- Stays dry with water-resistant cover
Field Notes Memo Book
- Takes heavy ink like a champ
- Gentle brown lines guide your writing
- Perfect 48-page size for projects
- Your ideal travel companion
Leuchtturm1917 Pocket
- Choose hard or soft covers
- Ready when ideas strike
- Captures your creative sparks
The A6 size shines brightest for:
- Go-getters who need quick notes
- Students bouncing between classes
- Digital minimalists craving paper simplicity
- Daily commuters and wanderers
- Creative souls catching ideas on the fly
Quick tip: Look for fast-drying paper to keep your notes smudge-free. While soft covers flex nicely in pockets, hardcovers stand up to daily wear and tear.
Here’s something cool: Some brands make A6 notebooks that nestle perfectly in A5 journal pockets. You can use your A6 for quick notes or tracking while keeping your main plans in the bigger book – the best of both worlds!
Large B5 Size – Maximum Creative Space
Get ready to unleash your creativity! The B5 size opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Think of it as your perfect middle ground between the familiar A5 and spacious A4 – your ideal creative playground.
B5 Dimensions and Features
Your B5 canvas stretches to 6.9 x 9.8 inches (176 x 250 mm), giving you a third more space than A5 notebooks. These beauties come with premium 160 GSM paper that laughs at ink bleeding and welcomes all your artistic adventures.
Look what you can do with all this space:
- Create four perfect columns across your page
- Design stunning headers with plenty of washi tape
- Mix your work and personal plans without cramping your style
Creative Possibilities with B5
You’ll love how B5 welcomes every creative idea you have. So many artists tell us they finally found their sweet spot after feeling squeezed in A5. Your B5 buddy supports:
- Beautiful art journals with detailed drawings
- Stories flowing across open pages
- Goal tracking that inspires
- Study notes that make sense
- Memory keeping with photos and clippings
Want to know something cool? You can start with your daily plans and add pretty drawings later – no pressure! Plus, you can fit two weeks of planning on one spread, keeping your life super organized.
Popular B5 Journal Brands
Let me share some B5 stars that’ll make your heart skip a beat:
Archer and Olive
- Generous 6.93 x 9.84 inch pages
- Crisp white pages that feel like silk
- Thick 160 GSM paper that takes anything you throw at it
Dingbats
- Soft off-white pages that soothe your eyes
- Paper with character and texture
- Earth-friendly materials with FSC certification
- Strong 160 GSM acid-free paper
Both these beauties come with dot grids, ribbons, and handy back pockets. Dingbats goes the extra mile with their 100% vegan, planet-friendly materials.
Ideal B5 Users
B5 might be your perfect match if you’re:
- An artist who needs room to spread your wings
- A professional juggling work and life plans
- A student capturing every important detail
- Someone who loves breathing room in their layouts
Here’s a fun fact: Your B5 journal typically lasts about six months. It’s happiest on your desk rather than in your bag – this beauty likes to stay put!
New to B5? Start small and grow into the space. Maybe add some leaves to your flower doodles that used to be just blooms. Mix empty spaces with your plans to create clean, focused designs.
The B5 size really shines when you’re writing longer thoughts – it gives you more freedom than A4 without squishing your words. Plus, it plays nicely with your laptop bag, fitting right in with your other daily essentials.
Classic Travelers Size – Flexible Format
Meet the Traveler’s Notebook – your customizable planning companion! With its beautiful leather cover and swappable inserts, this system brings a fresh take on bullet journaling that grows with you.
TN Size Specifications
Your TN measures a sleek 4.3 x 8.25 inches, slimmer than typical A5 journals. Additionally, each insert gives you 64 pages (32 sheets) of planning potential – perfect for refreshing your setup every few months.
Want to know something special? The leather cover holds up to four notebooks at once with clever elastic bands. Plus, it matches A5 height while staying slim, giving you the best of both worlds.
Benefits of the TN System
Here’s why planners fall in love with the TN system:
- Mix and Match Magic: Create your perfect setup with different notebooks for work, life, and creative dreams
- Smart on Your Wallet: Yes, the leather cover costs about $50 upfront, but replacement inserts start at just $3 – that’s smart planning
- Your Choice of Pages: Pick what works for you:
- Grid paper for neat layouts
- Dot grid for creative freedom
- Lines for classic writing
- Blank pages for artistic moments
Best TN Bullet Journal Setups
Here’s a winning three-notebook setup that’ll keep you organized:
- Monthly Calendar: Your big-picture planning home
- Daily/Weekly Tasks: Where your to-dos come to life
- Notes: Your space for brilliant ideas
The slim design naturally helps you write clearer and more purposefully. Plus, your leather cover gets better with age, as every scratch tells your story.
Make your TN even more useful with:
- Zippered pouches for tiny treasures
- Spots for your important cards
- Folders for loose papers
Here’s a heads-up: Most inserts skip page numbers, so you’ll want to add your own for easy indexing.
Sure, the leather might not lay perfectly flat at first – but that’s part of its charm! A simple binder clip helps when you need a flat writing surface.
Starting out? Begin with two inserts. You’ll get comfortable with the system while keeping things light. Watch how experienced users create amazing setups with different paper types for every need.
The TN system shines brightest if you:
- Love keeping different parts of life separate
- Want to save completed notebooks
- Appreciate leather that tells your story
- Need your planning system to adapt with you
Versatile B6 Size – The Happy Medium
Say hello to B6! This size hits the sweet spot between tiny A6 and roomy A5! The clever B6 format has won the hearts of planners who want something just right – not too big, not too small.
B6 Dimensions
Your B6 buddy measures 4.92 inches wide and 6.92 inches tall (128 x 182 mm). No wonder people call it the “Goldilocks” size – it feels just right!
You can create so many wonderful things such as:
- Meeting notes that capture every detail
- Beautiful book reviews
- Garden tracking that brings joy
- Language learning that sticks
- Recipes that make you smile
- Stories that flow from your heart
Advantages Over A5 and A6
B6 brings some amazing benefits to your planning life, including:
Speed and Efficiency
- Quick setup that saves your time
- Less pressure to decorate – just plan and go
- Perfect daily spreads without wasted space
Practical Benefits
- Small enough to carry everywhere
- Slides right into your bag
- Makes planning feel effortless
Here’s something else that’s special: B6 gives you exactly the space you need for daily plans – no more half-empty pages like in bigger journals. The size helps you focus on what matters most.
Recommended B6 Journals
Here are some B6 stars that’ll make your planning shine:
Archer and Olive B6
- Paper that feels like luxury
- Works for any planning style
- Perfect for your creative dreams
Stalogy B6
- 365 pages ready for your year
- Built-in organization system
- Monthly planning made easy
- Space for future dreams
New to B6? Start simple – this size needs a gentle introduction. Weekly spreads take extra care since you’re working with less space.
Remember these tips when picking your B6:
- Choose thick paper (160 GSM or more) to prevent bleeding
- Check the page count – B6 journals usually have fewer pages
- Pick a sturdy cover for daily adventures
B6 shines brightest when you’re:
- Mapping out brilliant ideas
- Tracking content inspiration
- Writing food adventures
- Catching business sparks
Sure, you might miss some fancy decorations – the space is cozy. But guess what? That helps you stay focused on what truly matters.
Make your B6 experience amazing:
- Keep layouts simple at first
- Use it for special projects
- Try it alongside your main planner
Want the perfect mix of portable and practical? B6 might be your answer. So many planners who left A5 tell us they found their planning happy place with B6.
Professional A4 Bullet Journal Size – Desktop Planning
Ready to supercharge your desk planning? Ideally, A4 bullet journals give you all the space you need for big ideas and detailed projects. These full-sized notebooks put creative freedom right at your fingertips!
A4 Journal Specifications
Picture this: 8.27 × 11.69 inches (210 x 297 mm) of pure planning potential. Your A4 comes with premium paper (120-160 GSM) that handles even your boldest ink choices without bleeding.
Look at all you can create:
- Time blocks that capture every hour
- Project spreads with plenty of columns
- Research notes with detailed diagrams
- Mind maps that branch everywhere
Your A4 buddy comes packed with helpful features:
- Pre-numbered pages to keep you organized
- Bookmarks that take you right where you need to go
- Back pockets for your important papers
- Elastic bands to keep everything secure
When to use A4 bullet journal
A4 shines brightest when you need space more than portability. Project managers love these journals for keeping track of multiple tasks. Teachers tell us they’re perfect for student records and lesson planning.
Your A4 will become your best friend for:
Professional Projects
- Meeting notes that capture every detail
- Project timelines that tell the whole story
- Client records that keep you connected
- Workshop plans that inspire
Academic Adventures
- Research that makes sense
- Lecture notes that stick
- Study schedules that work
- Thesis planning that flows
Here’s the truth: A4 works best right at your desk. That’s why many planners keep their A4 journal right beside their computer, ready for action.
Top options for A4 Bullet Journal sizes
Let me share some A4 stars that’ll make your planning shine:
Rhodia No. 19 Yellow Pad
- Paper smooth as silk
- Gentle yellow that’s easy on your eyes
- Smart blue lines with red margins
- Takes ink like a dream
Leuchtturm1917 Master
- 121 pages ready for your plans
- Stays slim and professional
- Fits right in your laptop bag
- Lasts about 7 months
Dingbats Earth Collection
- Special coating stops ink bleeding
- Kind to animals with vegan materials
- Earth-friendly FSC paper
- Made with our planet in mind
Modern A4 journals come with clever features:
- Grids that guide your layouts
- Markers that find your place
- Dots that spark creativity
- Index pages that keep you organized
Pick your perfect A4 by checking:
- Paper thickness (go for 120 GSM or more)
- Binding that lasts
- Cover that stands up to desk life
- Page count that matches your needs
Smart tip: Many planners pair their A4 with a smaller notebook – big plans stay at the desk while quick notes go everywhere. It’s the best of both worlds!
A4 might be perfect for you if you:
- Need lots of writing room
- Love detailed project planning
- Keep thorough work records
- Do your best work at your desk
Your A4 journal becomes invaluable when you need to track every detail. The generous size welcomes complex layouts and thorough planning, making it your perfect professional companion.
Mini Size – The Minimalist Choice
Small can be mighty! Mini bullet journals pack a powerful punch with their tiny size. These pocket-sized friends help you embrace simple, focused planning that puts efficiency first.
Mini Journal Dimensions
Your mini companion measures just 3 x 4 inches, sliding perfectly into any pocket. Some clever designs, like the Pocket bullet journal, fold A5-sized pages into A6 format. You’ll get 44 numbered pages with beautiful dot-grid patterns that guide your planning.
These tiny treasures give you:
- Freedom to move without bulk
- Quick notes whenever inspiration strikes
- Professional style in meetings
- Light-as-air everyday carry
Practical
Mini journals shine through pure simplicity. Use them alone or pair them with your bigger planner. They nestle right into the back pockets of full-sized journals, creating your perfect planning team.
These little wonders offer more than just size:
Paper Quality
- Pages that dry in a flash
- Dots that guide without limiting
- Eight pages you can share
Design Features
- Numbers that keep you organized
- Smart vertical layout
- Binding that lasts
Watch how your planning naturally becomes clearer and more focused. The cozy space helps you write what matters most. Plus, you’ll barely notice the weight in your pocket, but you’ll capture every important thought.
Best uses for mini bullet journal sizes
Mini journals become your trusted sidekick when simple meets practical. They’re perfect for busy professionals and travelers who need plans on the move.
Your mini shines at:
Daily Tasks
- Catching brilliant ideas
- Simple bullet lists
- Contact details
- Fitness goals
Special Projects
- Travel plans
- Shopping needs
- Emergency info
- Weather notes
Make each mini journal count. Some planners keep different minis for various parts of life. Others turn them into idea books or dream catchers.
These tiny planners love to help:
- Busy pros who need quick notes
- Simple planners who skip the fuss
- Light-packing travelers
- New bullet journalists testing the waters
Starting small helps you explore bullet journaling before diving into bigger formats. You’ll develop your style naturally, without feeling lost in too much space.
Smart designers now make mini journals that slip right into bigger notebooks. This means you can keep detailed plans and quick notes working together perfectly.
Choose hardcover for extra protection or softcover for pocket flexibility. Some fancy minis even come with pen holders and elastic bands to make your life easier.
Mini journals work because they keep you focused. Instead of spreading your thoughts thin, you’ll write with purpose and clarity. Best of all, since they go everywhere you go, you’ll actually use them every day.
Bullet Journal Sizes Comparison Table
Let me help you find your perfect journal size! Here’s a clear breakdown of every option, from tiny minis to spacious A4s. Take a look at what each size offers:
| Journal Size | Dimensions | Primary Use Case | Key Features/Benefits | Perfect For | Paper Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard A5 | 5.8 x 8.3 inches (145 x 210 mm) | Your everyday planning companion | – Carries easily while giving you space – Most cover options to match your style – Works with A4 templates | – Daily planning lovers – First-time bullet journalists – Creative layout explorers | Varies by brand (usually 80-120 GSM) |
| Compact A6 | 4.13 x 5.83 inches (105 x 148 mm) | Your on-the-go friend | – Slides into any pocket – Goes wherever you go – Keeps planning simple | – Busy go-getters – Daily commuters – Digital minimalists | Quick-drying paper works best |
| Large B5 | 6.9 x 9.8 inches (176 x 250 mm) | Your creative canvas | – Extra room to spread out – Welcomes your artistic side – Space for four neat columns | – Artists at heart – Creative souls – Detail-loving students | Strong 160 GSM |
| Travelers | 4.3 x 8.25 inches | Your flexible friend | – Mix and match inserts – Make it yours – Ages beautifully | – Multi-project planners – Planning enthusiasts | Changes with insert choice |
| B6 | 4.92 x 6.92 inches (128 x 182 mm) | Your just-right size | – Not too big, not too small – Quick to set up – Helps you focus | – Balance seekers – Everyday planners | Strong 160 GSM recommended |
| Professional A4 | 8.27 × 11.69 inches (210 x 297 mm) | Your desk companion | – All the space you need – Perfect for big projects – Room for every detail | – Project leaders – Dedicated teachers – Research minds | Sturdy 120-160 GSM |
| Mini | 3 x 4 inches | Your tiny treasure | – Fits in any pocket – Ready when ideas strike – Subtle and professional | – Light travelers – Simple planners – New bullet journalists | Quick-drying paper |
Bullet Journal Sizes FAQs
What is the most popular of the bullet journal sizes?
The A5 size (5.8 x 8.3 inches) is the most popular for bullet journals. It offers a balance between portability and writing space, making it suitable for various layout styles and planning needs.
How do I choose the right bullet journal size for me?
Consider your planning needs, portability requirements, and preferred layout style. A5 is versatile for most users, A6 is ideal for on-the-go planning, while B5 offers more space for creative layouts. Test different sizes to find what works best for you.
Can I use different bullet journal sizes for different purposes?
Yes, many people use multiple sizes for different purposes. For example, you might use an A5 for main planning, a mini journal for quick notes, and an A4 for detailed project planning at your desk.
What’s the benefit of using a Traveler’s Notebook for bullet journaling?
Traveler’s Notebooks offer a modular system with interchangeable inserts, allowing you to customize your planning setup. You can have separate notebooks for different aspects of your life within one cover, providing flexibility and organization.
Are there any advantages to using larger bullet journal sizes like B5 or A4?
Larger sizes like B5 and A4 provide more space for detailed planning, creative layouts, and comprehensive note-taking. They’re particularly useful for project management, academic planning, and artistic journaling where extra space is beneficial.
