Wiki
  • The History of Journal Notebooks
    • What is a Journal Notebook
      • Is a Journal Just a Diary?
      • How Honest Should I Be in My Journal?
      • Why Should You Journal Every Day?
      • What is the Purpose of a Personal Journal?
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Log Book?
      • Is it OK to Journal on a Laptop?
      • How Do You Start a Beginner Journal?
      • What is a Journal and How Does It Work?
      • What is the Best Size for a Journal?
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Paper?
    • How To Start A Journal
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Diary?
      • How Can I Start My Own Journal?
      • What to Put on the First Page of My Journal?
      • What is a Simple Journal Entry?
      • What is an Example of Journaling?
      • How Do You Make a Simple Journal Entry?
      • What to Write in a Daily Journal?
      • How Do You Start a Small Journal?
      • What is a Good Sentence Starter for Journals?
      • Is Journaling Good for You?
    • What Makes a Good Journal Notebook?
      • How to Pick a Notebook for Journaling?
      • How Many Pages Should a Journal Notebook Have?
      • What is the Best Size for a Journal Notebook?
      • What Kind of Notebook is Good for Journaling?
      • Is it a Good Idea to Have a Journal?
      • How Do I Choose a Good Journal?
      • How Do You Tell If a Journal Is a Good Journal?
      • Which Brand of Notebook is the Best?
      • How Do I Start Journaling?
      • What Should I Include in My Journal?
      • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Notebook?
      • Is It Better to Journal in a Notebook or on a Computer?
    • What is the Difference Between a Journal and a Notepad?
      • Is a Journal Just a Notebook?
      • Which is Better: Notepad or Notebook?
      • Is It Better to Write or Type a Journal?
      • Can I Use Any Notebook to Journal?
      • Can I Use Notes for Journaling?
      • How Do I Use Notepad as a Journal?
      • Can You Take Notes in a Journal?
      • What is the Main Difference Between a Journal and a Diary?
      • How is a Journal Different from Notes?
      • Should You Carry a Notepad?
Powered by GitBook
On this page
  • Understanding Journal Sizes
  • Benefits of Different Journal Sizes
  • Choosing the Right Journal Size for Your Needs
  • Making the Most of Your Chosen Journal Size
  • Conclusion
  1. The History of Journal Notebooks
  2. What is a Journal Notebook

What is the Best Size for a Journal?

PreviousWhat is a Journal and How Does It Work?NextWhat is the Difference Between a Journal and a Paper?

Last updated 10 months ago

Choosing the best size for a journal is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs, preferences, and intended use. This article explores various journal sizes, their benefits, and how to select the right one for your journaling practice.

Understanding Journal Sizes

Common Journal Sizes

Journals come in a range of sizes, each offering unique advantages:

  • Pocket Size (3.5” x 5.5”): Compact and portable, perfect for on-the-go journaling.

  • A5 Size (5.8” x 8.3”): Versatile and widely used, balancing portability and ample writing space.

  • B5 Size (6.9” x 9.8”): Slightly larger, offering more room for writing and sketching.

  • Letter Size (8.5” x 11”): Standard paper size, ideal for detailed entries and extensive notes.

Specialized Sizes

Some journals come in less common sizes tailored to specific uses, such as:

  • Square Journals: Often used for art journaling and sketchbooks.

  • Traveler’s Notebook (4.3” x 8.25”): Designed for travel journaling, with a slim and portable format.

Benefits of Different Journal Sizes

Pocket Size Journals

Portability: Pocket size journals are highly portable, making them easy to carry in a pocket or small bag. They are ideal for jotting down quick notes, thoughts, and observations while on the go.

Convenience: Their small size makes them convenient for spontaneous writing and capturing ideas as they arise. Pocket journals are perfect for those who prefer to keep a journal with them at all times.

A5 Size Journals

Balance: A5 size journals offer a balance between portability and writing space. They are small enough to carry around easily but provide ample room for detailed entries and sketches.

Versatility: This size is versatile, suitable for a variety of journaling styles, including daily reflections, goal setting, and creative writing. A5 journals are a popular choice for bullet journaling and planner setups.

B5 Size Journals

More Space: B5 size journals offer more writing space than A5 journals, making them suitable for those who prefer larger entries or need extra room for sketches and diagrams.

Detailed Entries: The additional space allows for more detailed and comprehensive entries, making B5 journals ideal for extensive note-taking, project planning, and creative exploration.

Letter Size Journals

Extensive Writing: Letter size journals provide the most writing space, making them ideal for detailed entries, extensive notes, and professional use. They are often used for academic or work-related journaling.

Room for Creativity: The large pages offer plenty of room for creative expression, including drawing, collage, and detailed layouts. This size is favored by artists and designers who need ample space for their creations.

Choosing the Right Journal Size for Your Needs

Consider Your Purpose

The best journal size for you depends on how you plan to use it. Consider the following questions to determine your needs:

  • Will you carry your journal with you daily, or will it stay at home?

  • Do you prefer writing brief notes or detailed entries?

  • Will you use your journal for creative activities like drawing or collage?

Evaluate Your Writing Style

Your writing style also influences the ideal journal size. If you write large or like to include detailed sketches, a larger journal may be more suitable. Conversely, if you prefer concise entries or need a journal that fits in a small bag, a smaller size may be better.

Test Different Sizes

If you're unsure which size suits you best, try experimenting with different journal sizes. You can start with a few inexpensive journals of various sizes to see which one feels most comfortable and meets your needs.

Making the Most of Your Chosen Journal Size

Customize Your Journal

Regardless of the size you choose, customize your journal to suit your preferences. Use dividers, tabs, and bookmarks to organize your entries. Add personal touches like stickers, washi tape, and decorative elements to make your journal uniquely yours.

Adapt Your Layouts

Adapt your journal layouts to make the most of the available space. For smaller journals, use compact layouts and concise entries. For larger journals, experiment with more elaborate layouts and incorporate additional elements like drawings and diagrams.

Conclusion

Choosing the best size for a journal is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs and preferences. Pocket size journals offer portability and convenience, while A5 size journals provide a balance between portability and writing space. B5 and letter size journals offer more room for detailed entries and creative expression. Consider your purpose, writing style, and personal preferences when selecting a journal size, and don't hesitate to experiment with different options to find the perfect fit for your journaling practice.

What is a Journal Notebook