Is an A5 PU notebook the perfect journal for your ideas?
You want to start a journal or find the right notebook for your daily planning. You need something that is easy to carry but still gives you enough space to write. Is the A5 PU notebook the right choice for you?
An A5 PU notebook is an excellent choice for a journal because it offers the perfect balance of portability and writing space. The A5 size is easy to carry in a bag, and the PU cover gives it a durable, professional, and high-quality feel. This combination makes writing a pleasing and consistent daily habit.

I have seen many people try to journal on their phones or use very small notebooks. They always tell me the same thing: they cannot stick to it. I realized that the physical tool matters. When I finally found a well-made A5 notebook with a smooth cover, the act of writing became a pleasure. The ritual itself made me want to write every day.
Are A5 notebooks good for journaling?
You see notebooks in many different sizes. The A5 size is very popular. But when it comes to journaling, do you need a small book, or a big book? Is A5 the right fit for your daily writing?
Yes, A5 notebooks are very good for journaling. The A5 size is a common standard, about half the size of a regular sheet of paper. This size is big enough to write full paragraphs and long thoughts without feeling cramped. It is also small enough to fit easily into a backpack or a large handbag, making it a perfect travel and everyday companion.

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I have worked with many different kinds of notebooks. I know that size is very important for how you use a book. A very large notebook, like an A4, is too heavy and stays on your desk. This makes it hard to use for daily journaling1 because you cannot take it with you. A very small notebook, like an A6, is good for quick notes but too small for deep writing. The A5 notebook is the perfect size because it solves this problem. It is the size of a small book. It is easy to hold in your hands. It is also easy to write in when you are sitting on a train or in a cafe. The A5 size encourages you to fill the page, but it does not feel like a huge task. The size is big enough for serious writing. It is small enough for travel. This flexibility makes it a favorite for many people who like to write about their day or plan their projects. The A5 notebook is all about balance.
| Notebook Size | Dimensions (Approx) | Best Use Case | Why It Works for Journaling |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4 (Large) | $8.3 \times 11.7$ inches | Desktop use, sketching, meeting notes | Too big to carry easily for daily use |
| A5 (Standard) | $5.8 \times 8.3$ inches | Daily journaling, planning, school notes | Perfect balance of portability and writing space |
| A6 (Small) | $4.1 \times 5.8$ inches | Quick reminders, pocket notes, lists | Too small for detailed, long-form writing |
The A5 size gives you room to think and room to travel.
Should I get a lined or unlined journal?
You have decided on the size, but now you see two types of paper: lined and unlined. They are very different. Which one should you choose for your journal?
You should get a lined journal if you value structure, neatness, and clarity in your writing. The lines help keep your writing straight and uniform. You should get an unlined (blank) journal if you plan to sketch, doodle, or create mind maps, as it offers maximum creative freedom without any visual rules.

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This choice is all about your personal style2. I find that most people who journal for structure prefer lined pages. The lines act as a guide. They make the page look neat and organized. This is great if you use your journal for work planning, task lists, or writing down very clear thoughts. It gives a clean look. When you look back at your writing, it is easy to read. However, some people feel that lines limit their creativity. They prefer an unlined journal. The unlined page is a blank canvas. You can draw, write sideways, or create charts. There are no rules. This is good for people who use their journal for both drawing and writing, or for those who think better with pictures. My advice is to think about how you process information. If you are a logical thinker who likes lists, go for lined. If you are a creative thinker who likes to draw pictures and move words around, go for unlined. I also tell people to try dot grid pages. These are a good middle ground. They give you small dots that help guide your writing, but they are light enough to ignore if you want to draw.
| Page Type | Benefit | Best For | Potential Drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lined | Neatness, structure, clear organization | Journaling thoughts, professional notes, list-making | Can limit drawing or free-form sketching |
| Unlined | Creative freedom, visual expression | Sketching, doodling, mind-mapping, unstructured ideas | Writing can look messy or crooked |
| Dot Grid | Flexibility and light guidance | Bullet journaling, light sketching, hybrid use | Lines are not as clear or as strong as full lines |
The page you choose sets the tone for your writing.
Should I get an A5 or A6 journal?
When choosing a journal, the two most popular sizes are A5 and A6. They are both small, but they feel very different to use. Which one should you choose for your personal journal?
You should choose an A5 journal if your main goal is long-form writing, reflection, or planning. The A5 size gives you space to write full pages of thought. You should choose an A6 journal if your main goal is carrying it in your pocket for quick notes, lists, or capturing small ideas on the go. The A6 is much smaller and more discreet.

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The A5 notebook is what I would call a "thought journal." It is for spending time with your ideas. It is for deep writing. The size encourages you to sit down and focus. This makes it perfect for a nightly reflection or a detailed morning plan. It requires a bit more space in your bag, but the benefit is worth it. The A6 notebook, on the other hand, is a "pocket companion." I have seen many people use it for quick notes. They pull it out of their pocket to write down a sudden idea, a phone number, or a quick reminder. It is perfect for travel and for people who hate carrying big bags. However, writing a long entry in an A6 book can feel frustrating. The small pages break up your thoughts too much. Since journaling is often about deep thinking and free flow, the A5 is almost always the better choice. The smooth PU leather cover on an A5 makes the whole experience feel premium. It turns the act of opening your journal into a small, mindful moment3.
| Feature | A5 Journal | A6 Journal | Which is Better for Journaling? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing Space | Plenty of space for full pages of text | Limited space, good for short notes | A5, as it allows for long-form, unbroken thought |
| Portability | Fits in a regular bag or backpack | Fits in a jacket pocket or small purse | A6, as it is the most discreet and portable |
| Comfort of Use | Easy to write in, feels good on a lap or desk | Can be awkward to write in for long periods | A5, as it supports a natural writing posture |
| Purpose | Reflection, planning, detailed thoughts | Quick capture, reminders, on-the-go lists | A5, for the mindful, daily ritual of writing |
For a rewarding journaling experience, A5 is the right size.
Conclusion
The A5 PU notebook is the ideal journal. Its size is perfect for deep writing and travel. Choose lined pages for structure. Its high-quality cover makes the act of writing a pleasant daily habit.



