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.
Quick answer: A5 journals are better for longer writing, planning, and structured layouts. A6 journals are better for portability, travel, quick notes, and everyday carry.
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
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 |
If you prefer more writing space, explore our A5 leather journals and notebook covers.
If you want something more compact for travel or everyday carry, browse our A6 leather journals and notebook covers.
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.
Still unsure which size is right for you? You can explore our full collection of leather journals and refillable notebook covers to compare A5, A6, and other handmade leather options in one place.
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.