Bullet journals are all about freedom. You get to choose what you want to write about and how you want to organize it. There are many size options available, including lined journals and premade bullet journals, and you may be wondering which one works best for your specific needs.
The best bullet journal size is the one that works for you. Bullet journals most commonly come in A5 size, but can also be found in larger and smaller versions that work with your needs and preferences.
In this blog post, we will discuss what some of the popular sizes are and how it impacts your experience with a bullet journal.
What Is the Best Bullet Journal Size?
In order to decide which bullet journal size is best for you, it’s important to understand the standard sizes that notebooks, journals, and planners come in.
A Series Paper Sizes
A series of paper sizes are the most common, and they’re often used for notebooks, journals, planners, notepads, diaries and sketchbooks. They range in size from A0 (the largest) to A17 (the smallest). Each letter represents a different proportion of that base measurement. The most popular size of this paper is A4 and A5.
This series of sizes are most commonly used in Australia, Europe, and South Asia.
B Series Paper Sizes
B series paper is less common but is used for various forms of business and record keeping. It has a range of 17 different sizes as well, with each letter representing a different proportion of that base measurement.
These sizes are more commonly used in the USA and Eastern Asia.
A4
A4 journals measure 210 mm by 297 mm, or 8 1/4″ by 11 3/4″. These journals are large enough to be used as a daily planner, diary, bullet journal, and much more. Many people find them to be too big for their bullet journaling needs because they don’t fit into a purse or backpack as conveniently as smaller variations.
However, if you enjoy having plenty of space to work with, primarily work on your bullet journal at home, and are focused on taking a more artful approach to your bullet journal, an A-sized notebook may be ideal.
A4-sized journals can also serve as a great choice for those who are looking to create more complex layouts with various page sizes and shapes. They are great for spreads such as maps, grids, and calendars.
A5
The A5-sized bullet journal is the most popular format and was standardized by the creator of the bullet journal, Ryder Carroll. This size measures to be 105mm by 148 mm, or 5 7/8″ by 8 1/4″.
This size is ideal because it is large enough to fit all of your bullet journaling needs, but is still small enough to carry with you and take anywhere. This will help you to remember to bring your bullet journal with you, helping to prevent you from forgetting to put tasks in it or track habits with it.
The wide selection of bullet journals in the A5 size makes it desirable as well. You can find notebooks that are lined, blank, or dotted in this size. You will also be able to choose a variety of colors and materials for your bullet journal cover.
A6
A6-sized bullet journals measure 105mm by 148mm, or 4 1/8″ by 5 7/8″. These notebooks are smaller than most and are ideal for people who want the smallest option possible, which is lightweight and portable. If your A6 journal has a softcover, you will be able to easily place it in your pocket or an extremely small bag.
There isn’t as much space for drawing and writing in an A-sized journal, but it can still be a great choice if you want to add smaller, simpler doodles to your notebook.
It’s best to use this size of bullet journal as a quick and minimal daily tracker or list maker. It will help you to focus and get straight to the point, making your life simpler and more efficient.
If you want a bullet journal so that you can have a lot of free space to create your own drawings and designs, it may be best to size up to A5 or A4.
B5
A B5-sized bullet journal is 177.8mm by 254mm, or 7″ by 10″. This journal was designed to more evenly fit into the imperial measuring system. It is slightly smaller than the A4 notebook and slightly larger than the A5 notebook, making it a great option for those who want something in-between.
The B5 bullet journal is the best of all worlds and can be used as a minimal, streamlined bullet journal or an artistic and expressive notebook.
It is a very popular size notebook, so you will be able to find it in many different colors, weights, and styles. This is a great choice for someone who wants a popular style but doesn’t want to use an A4 or A5-sized paper.
Is A5 or B5 Better for Bullet Journaling?
Since A5 journals are the most popular size for bullet journals, they are preferred by many. However, a B-sized journal may be better for those who want to create larger spreads or layouts.
With the popularity of bullet journals increasing, more variations have been created and are readily available. It is great that you will now have multiple options from which to choose when purchasing your first bullet journal!
In order to choose which bullet journal size is best for you, you will want to decide how you plan on using your bullet journal and what you want to get out of it.
If your primary concern is finding the perfect size for your templates, writing, and art, then let yourself explore both A and B series notebooks.
However, if you’re looking for the most standardized forms possible so you can rest assured that you can stay consistent over many years of journaling, then stick to A-series sizes.
If you don’t have much time to bullet journal, a smaller planner might be best, as it will stop you from feeling overwhelmed.
Is 128 Pages Enough for a Bullet Journal?
In addition to considering the dimensions of your bullet journal, you’ll also want to consider the number of pages inside. When a manufacturer lists the number of pages in a journal, they mean per side, not per sheet.
So, if you purchase a 128-page bullet journal, expect it to come with 64 individual sheets. Many new bullet journal users are surprised when they open their new notebooks and find that there are fewer pages inside than anticipated.
The number of pages you’ll need in a bullet journal is usually dependent on how much writing you plan to do or need the notebook for. If you only use your bullet journal as an agenda, then 128 pages should be plenty!
However, if you’re one who does extensive writing and planning, you may want to consider a journal with more than 128 pages. This will allow you to develop your layouts over time without having to start from scratch again.
A larger sheet size will also help you to get more out of your pages over time. So, a 128-page journal will last you longer in an A4 notebook than an A6 notebook since they have different amounts of space.
What Size Is a Leuchtturm1917?
The Leuchtturm1917 is a popular option for those who are looking to buy their first bullet journal since it is the official notebook of the Bullet Journal system.
This notebook will come in size A5, making it perfect for those who want something in between the A and B series. The paper inside is bleed resistant, which means that it won’t absorb your ink like thinner or cheaper quality paper (or fountain pen friendly).
This bullet journal should last you for between 3 to 12 months, depending on how frequently you use it and what elements you include in it.
Final Thoughts
Deciding which bullet journal size works best for you is one of the first steps in beginning your bullet journal journey. Once you know how big it will be, you can make sure that all of your other supplies (such as markers and pens) are compatible with it before making the purchase.
Feel free to try several different options to find out which one you prefer. Many people have found that they love both A-series and B-series notebooks for different reasons, so there’s no wrong choice here!