Choosing a Notebook: Ruling, Paper Weight and Binding

A notebook is chosen on its cover and used for its paper. Three specifications decide whether you enjoy writing in it, and none of them is visible from the front.

Ruling

Lined

The default. What matters is the line spacing: narrow ruling around 6 mm suits small handwriting and fits more on a page; wide ruling around 8 mm suits larger handwriting and is easier to read back.

If your writing habitually strays above or below the line, the ruling is too narrow.

Squared (graph)

A grid, usually 5 mm. Standard for mathematics and technical work, and useful for anyone who draws small diagrams alongside notes. The grid is more visually present than lines, which some people find distracting for prose.

Dotted

A grid of small dots at the intersections. Gives the alignment of a grid without the visual weight of printed lines — you can write in straight rows, rule a table, or draw freely on the same page.

The most flexible ruling, and the reason it has become popular for planning and journalling.

Plain

No ruling. Right for sketching and for anyone who finds lines constraining; harder for sustained prose, because handwriting drifts.

Paper weight

Measured in gsm, and the single most important specification.

• Under 70 gsm: economy. Ballpoint and pencil only.
• 70–90 gsm: general purpose. Fine for most pens, some show-through.
• 90–110 gsm: good quality. Handles gel, fineliner and many fountain pens.
• Over 110 gsm: takes fountain pen and marker with minimal bleed.

Weight is not the whole story — how the paper is sized also matters, which is why some 80 gsm papers handle a fountain pen better than some 100 gsm papers. But weight is the figure you can compare on a listing.

Binding

Spiral

Lies flat, folds back on itself, uses half the desk space. The practical choice for a working notebook. The spiral catches in bags and can be crushed.

Sewn

Sections stitched into the spine. Lies reasonably flat once broken in, survives years, and looks better. The usual choice for a notebook that is kept.

Glued (perfect bound)

Cheapest. Does not lie flat, and the spine can crack if forced open. Fine for a notebook used lightly.

Disc-bound

Pages clip onto discs and can be added, removed and reordered. Flexible; pages can work loose with heavy use.

Size

• A6: pocket. Notes and lists.
• A5: the best compromise for most people — portable, usable.
• B5: more writing room, still portable. Good for lectures and meetings.
• A4: desk work and anything with diagrams.

The details that get noticed daily

• Perforated pages if you tear pages out — tearing an unperforated page damages the binding.
• A back pocket for loose paper.
• A ribbon marker.
• Numbered pages and a contents page if you keep notebooks for reference.
• An elastic closure if it travels.

Test before committing to a set

If you are buying several of the same notebook, buy one first and write in it with every pen you use, including the highlighter. Paper that fails with your favourite pen will not be used however good the cover is.

Browse our Notebooks & Writing Paper range — sheet count, and ruling and paper weight where the manufacturer publishes them, are on every listing. Or ask us at the counter on Third Avenue.