Page count is one of the most overlooked factors when choosing a journal, yet it directly affects thickness, comfort, and long-term usability.
Too few pages can feel limiting. Too many can make a journal bulky, stiff, or awkward to use—especially in smaller formats like A5 and A6.
Why Page Count Matters More Than You Think
Every additional page adds thickness, weight, and resistance at the spine. In compact journal sizes, these changes are felt more quickly.
Page count influences how easily a journal opens, how it sits when writing, and how comfortable it is to carry day to day.
A5 Journals: Finding a Comfortable Range
A5 journals offer enough surface area to handle moderate thickness without becoming unwieldy.
For most people, an A5 journal in the range of 120 to 200 pages strikes a balance between longevity and usability. Below that range, the journal may feel temporary. Above it, stiffness and bulk become noticeable.
Heavier page counts can work, but only when flexibility and construction are carefully considered.
A6 Journals: When Thickness Becomes a Constraint
A6 journals reach their practical limits faster. Because the format is smaller, added pages compound thickness more aggressively.
Most A6 journals perform best in the range of 80 to 140 pages. Beyond that, the journal can feel rigid, difficult to open flat, or uncomfortable to handle for extended writing.
At this size, restraint usually improves the experience.
Paper Weight and Its Impact on Thickness
Page count alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Paper weight plays a significant role in how thick a journal feels.
Heavier paper increases durability but adds bulk quickly. Lighter paper allows higher page counts without excessive thickness, though it may feel less substantial.
The right balance depends on how you write and how portable you want the journal to remain.
Usability vs Longevity
There is a natural trade-off between how long a journal lasts and how pleasant it is to use.
Higher page counts extend lifespan but can reduce flexibility. Lower page counts improve handling but require more frequent replacement.
Most people find that comfort during daily use matters more than maximising page capacity.
How Thickness Affects Everyday Handling
As journals become thicker, they resist opening fully, especially near the beginning and end. This can affect writing posture and fatigue.
In smaller formats, excessive thickness also increases wear at fold points and edges, making construction and material choice more important.
A Practical Takeaway
For A5 journals, aim for enough pages to support regular writing without sacrificing flexibility.
For A6 journals, prioritise comfort and portability over maximum capacity.
Understanding these trade-offs helps explain why page count is treated as a design decision, not just a specification, across journals built around long-term daily use.
If you’re choosing between formats, reviewing how different A5 journal options handle thickness can make these differences easier to visualise.