Choosing the Right Notebook Size for Your Workflow
Selecting the right notebook size plays a crucial role in how effectively we write, plan, and organize our days. Among all notebook formats, A5 and A6 notebooks stand out as the most popular choices for writers, students, professionals, and journal enthusiasts. They are also the most common formats for personal journals, travel journals, and everyday writing journals. Each size offers distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on your writing habits, lifestyle, and organizational needs.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about A5 and A6 notebooks—including dimensions, ideal use cases, portability, compatibility with planners, and how to choose the perfect size for your workflow. If you’re deciding between an A5 journal or an A6 journal, the same size principles apply.
Understanding A5 and A6 Notebook Dimensions
A5 Notebook Size (148 × 210 mm)
- Medium-sized and highly versatile
- Roughly half the size of a standard A4 sheet
- Ideal for journaling, everyday writing, note-taking, and professional planners
- Offers a comfortable writing area without feeling bulky
Many of our handcrafted A5 leather journal covers, made from full-grain Pueblo, Crazy Horse, or Japanese Tochigi leather, are designed around this size because of its balance of space and portability. Most A5 journal inserts and refills also follow this exact dimension.
A6 Notebook Size (105 × 148 mm)
- Compact, lightweight, and pocket-friendly
- Easy to carry anywhere—bags, coat pockets, travel kits
- Best for quick notes, daily task lists, compact planners, and on-the-go journaling
Our A6 leather notebook covers, handmade in Canada from premium full-grain leather, fit this size perfectly for travellers and minimalists who prefer an everyday carry notebook. A6 is also a favourite among micro-journalers and gratitude journal users who prefer short daily entries.
A5 Notebook Benefits: Best for Writers, Planners & Professionals
1. Spacious Writing Area for Longer Entries
A5 notebooks offer a balanced canvas—large enough for comfortable writing yet compact enough to take anywhere. They accommodate longer journal entries, creative writing, sketches, and thorough meeting notes. This is why many writers prefer A5 journals for long-form journaling, creative entries, and reflective writing.
2. Ideal for Professional and Academic Use
Many planners, diaries, and work journals come in A5 format because it allows users to:
- Map out schedules clearly
- Keep daily, weekly, and monthly layouts organized
- Write comfortably during long sessions
3. Excellent Insert Compatibility
A5 is the most common size for:
- Refillable journals
- Traveler’s notebook inserts
- Bullet journals (BuJo)
- Agenda refills (A5 Slim, A5 Wide variants)
4. Better Layout Options for Productivity
Because of its larger space, A5 supports:
- Habit trackers
- Project breakdowns
- To-do lists with room for detailed notes
- Vision boards, goal mapping, and brainstorming
A6 Notebook Benefits: Best for Mobility and Minimalism
1. Ultra-Portable for Everyday Carry (EDC)
A6 notebooks excel in mobility—the perfect size for your pocket, bag, or jacket. They are ideal for people who want a notebook always within reach. A6 journals are especially popular for quick daily reflections and travel journaling.
2. Ideal for Quick Notes and Task Lists
A6 works beautifully for:
- Grocery lists
- Quick ideas
- Short journal entries
- Daily productivity checklists
3. Streamlined and Lightweight
If you prefer minimalism, fewer pages, and a simple writing approach, the A6 format offers a clutter-free experience.
4. Perfect for Travel
Travelers love A6 notebooks because they pack light and work well for:
- Itinerary notes
- Daily travel logs
- Budget tracking
- Transit details
Side-by-Side Comparison: A5 vs A6
Size and Portability
| Feature | A5 Notebook | A6 Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 148 × 210 mm | 105 × 148 mm |
| Portability | Medium, bag-friendly | Extremely portable |
| Writing Comfort | High | Moderate |
| Best For | Journaling, planning, projects | Quick notes, travel, minimalists |
Writing Space
A5: More writing area allows structured content, drawings, and detailed notes.
A6: Compact space intended for shorter entries and rapid logging.
Functionality
| Use Case | Best Size |
|---|---|
| Bullet journals | A5 |
| Creative writing | A5 |
| Pocket notebook | A6 |
| Daily to-dos | Both |
| Travel companion | A6 |
| Academic notes | A5 |
Choosing Between A5 and A6 Based on Your Workflow
Choose A5 If You:
- Write long entries or need ample writing space
- Use your notebook for planning, journaling, or work
- Want the most insert options for customization
- Prefer structured pages for habit trackers, layouts, or bullet journaling
- Enjoy expressive or creative journal spreads (A5 is ideal for decorative journaling)
Choose A6 If You:
- Need something ultra-portable
- Prefer minimalism or short entries
- Want a pocket-sized notebook for errands and travel
- Use your notebook mainly for lists, quick notes, and reminders
- Prefer micro-journaling, gratitude journaling, or quick travel logs
How Notebook Size Affects Productivity and Focus
Layout Efficiency
A5 notebooks give you more room to create:
- Multiple sections
- Mind maps
- Weekly or monthly spreads
Meanwhile, A6 keeps things concise—ideal for people who like fast, simple processing.
Cognitive Load
A smaller notebook encourages quick decisions and reduces clutter.
A larger A5 provides structure that supports long-term planning and thought organization.
Best Notebook Types Available in A5 and A6
1. Refillable Leather Notebook Covers
Refillable systems allow you to change inserts without replacing the cover. They are commonly found in both A5 and A6 sizes and pair beautifully with handmade full-grain leather covers crafted in Canada.
2. Traveler’s Notebook Inserts
Traveler’s notebooks often come in:
- A5 (Standard)
- A6 (Pocket)
3. Bullet Journal Formats
A5 bullet journals remain the gold standard thanks to:
- Dot-grid layouts
- 5 mm spacing
- Versatile page size
4. Agenda and Planner Refills
Professional planners frequently use A5, while pocket planners often come in A6.
Practical Scenarios: Which Size Fits You Best?
For Students
A5 is typically more practical for academic note-taking, homework planning, and study organization.
For Professionals
A5 supports structured schedules and detailed meeting notes.
A6 works well for quick work reminders and pocket-sized to-do lists.
For Journalers
Choose A5 for long-form journaling or creative spreads.
Choose A6 for micro-journaling or gratitude logging.
For Travelers
A6 is best for trips, itineraries, and travel memory notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A5 or A6 better for handwriting comfort?
A5 provides more surface area for larger handwriting styles, while A6 is better suited for compact writing.
Is an A6 notebook too small for daily planning?
Not if your planning style is minimal. However, users who prefer detailed layouts may find A6 restrictive.
Can I use A5 inserts in an A6 cover?
No. A6 covers are significantly smaller—choose inserts designed for your exact notebook size.
Which size is more popular?
A5 remains the most widely used for journaling and planners, while A6 is popular for everyday carry (EDC) and travel notes.
Final Recommendation: A5 for Structure, A6 for Mobility
Both A5 and A6 notebooks excel in different contexts.
Choose A5 if you value writing space, structured layouts, and long-term planning.
Choose A6 if portability, minimalism, and ease of carrying are your priorities.
Understanding how you use your notebook—daily planning, journaling, quick notes, or travel—will help you select the perfect format for your writing and productivity needs.
Looking for A5 or A6 Leather Notebook Covers?
We handcraft premium A5 and A6 leather notebook covers in Canada using full-grain Pueblo, Crazy Horse, and Japanese Tochigi leather. Each cover is refillable, durable, and designed to elevate your writing experience.