When choosing a leather journal, thickness is often overlooked in favour of size or material. But how thick your journal is—how many pages it holds and how bulky it feels—has a direct impact on comfort, usability, and how often you actually reach for it.
Too thin, and you may feel limited. Too thick, and the journal can become awkward to write in or inconvenient to carry. This guide breaks down how thick an A5 or A6 journal should be in real-world use, helping you choose a page count that supports your routine rather than working against it.
Why Journal Thickness Matters More Than Page Count
It’s tempting to think more pages are always better. In practice, thickness affects how a journal opens, how it sits on a surface, and how comfortable it feels when writing near the spine.
Leather covers, in particular, amplify these effects. Unlike cardboard or softbound notebooks, leather holds its shape. When an insert becomes too thick, the cover resists closing naturally, and the journal can feel stiff or unbalanced.
How Thickness Affects Writing Comfort
One of the first places thickness becomes noticeable is near the inner margin of the page. Thicker journals tend to create a steeper curve at the spine, which can make writing on the inner edge uncomfortable.
This is especially true for longer writing sessions. When your hand has to fight the curve of the page, fatigue sets in faster, and the journal becomes less inviting over time.
A thinner insert allows the journal to open more naturally, keeping pages flatter and making writing feel relaxed rather than forced.
Ideal Thickness for A5 Journals
A5 journals are often used at desks, cafés, and workspaces, where longer writing sessions are common. Because of this, comfort tends to matter more than maximum page capacity.
For most people, an A5 journal works best when it’s slim enough to open easily but substantial enough to last a reasonable amount of time. Moderate page counts strike this balance, offering enough space for daily writing without creating bulk that interferes with usability.
If an A5 journal feels stiff, heavy, or difficult to close, it’s often a sign that the insert is thicker than it needs to be.
Ideal Thickness for A6 Journals
A6 journals are designed for mobility. They’re carried more often, used in tighter spaces, and written in while standing, commuting, or travelling.
Because of this, thickness becomes even more important. A bulky A6 journal can feel awkward in the hand and defeat the purpose of choosing a compact format in the first place.
Slimmer A6 inserts tend to work better in everyday carry scenarios. They keep the journal lightweight, easy to handle, and comfortable to open quickly without fuss.
Portability vs Longevity: Finding the Right Balance
There’s always a trade-off between how long a journal lasts and how pleasant it is to use. Thicker journals last longer before needing replacement, but thinner journals are often used more consistently.
Many people find that finishing a slimmer insert more frequently actually improves their journaling habit. Completing a notebook provides a sense of progress, while swapping inserts keeps the journal feeling fresh and manageable.
Leather Covers Make Thickness More Noticeable
Leather journal covers are built to protect and hold structure. This is part of their appeal, but it also means they don’t adapt well to overstuffed inserts.
A leather cover paired with an overly thick notebook can feel strained, while the same insert might feel fine on its own. Choosing a thickness that works with the cover—not against it—leads to a smoother, more comfortable experience.
Choosing Thickness Based on How You Write
If you’re unsure how thick your journal should be, think about how you actually use it:
- Long writing sessions: Thinner inserts improve comfort and reduce hand fatigue.
- On-the-go use: Slim journals are easier to handle and carry.
- Occasional writing: Moderate thickness works well without feeling excessive.
Rather than maximising page count, choosing a thickness that feels easy to open and pleasant to write in often leads to better consistency.
Thickness Is About Usability, Not Limits
The “right” thickness for an A5 or A6 journal isn’t a fixed number—it’s the point where the journal feels comfortable, balanced, and natural to use. When thickness supports your writing style instead of distracting from it, the journal becomes something you reach for instinctively.
Understanding how inserts interact with leather covers makes it easier to build a system that works long-term. If you’d like to see how different formats and configurations come together, browsing the full range of leather journal systems can help put these considerations into context.