So…you know you want a bullet journal, but are feeling overwhelmed by the wide array of bullet journal sizes out there?
Luckily for you, bullet journals are crazy versatile and can be used for any number of purposes, from planning a home project to training for a marathon to tracking your sleep. Unluckily for you, that means you have a lot of different bullet journal sizes to consider.
The good news is that we here at You Can Journal have your back! So sit back and relax while we explain both the ins and outs of a load of different bullet journal sizes you should consider.
Bullet Journal Sizes
Choosing the right bullet journal size can greatly influence your journaling experience. Your selection should align with your space needs and lifestyle.
Standard Sizes
The most common sizes for bullet journals are A5 (medium), B5 (larger), and A6 (small). A5 strikes a great balance between portability and providing enough space for creativity.
Your first step might be to consider when and where you’ll use your journal. The important thing is to ensure the size selected meets your needs for both usage and ease of transport.
- A6 (4 by 6 inches)
- A5 (6 by 8¼ inches): The A5 size is one of the most popular formats for bullet journals. It strikes a balance between sufficient writing space and easy portability.
- B5 (7 by 10 inches)
- A4 (8¼ by 11¾ inches): This size offers lots of space, ideal for those who intend to incorporate more content per page.
Things to Consider About Bullet Journal Sizes
Larger Bullet Journals:
- More space for creativity: Larger journals like A4 and B5 sizes provide you with ample space to sketch, chart, or write extensively.
- Easier to work with: You can have more text and diagrams on a single page without feeling cramped.
Smaller Bullet Journal:
- More portable: Smaller sizes can be lighter and take up less space in your bag.
- Less likely to feel overwhelming: If you prefer simplicity, a smaller bullet journal can contain easy-to-digest bullets and diagrams on single pages, providing natural division between ideas. In contrast, larger bullet journals might feel unnecessarily complex if/when each page combines several concepts.
Compact Versions for Travel
If you’re often on the move, smaller bullet journals are sure to be your BFF. They fit effortlessly into most bags or even pockets, making them incredibly convenient.
Compact versions offer an excellent balance between portability and usable writing space for quick notes and updates on the road. The A6 size in particular is a compact option that’s easy to carry, so your bullet journal is accessible wherever you go.
But bullet journal sizes are just one of the considerations you have to make when choosing the perfect bullet journal. After all, an A5 journal can come with different paper and cover types, features, and designs.
Design and Material
When you’re selecting a bullet journal, the design and material of the cover, as well as the quality of the paper, are pivotal to how well it suits your needs and withstands daily use.
Hard vs Soft Cover
Hard Cover: Typically, a hard cover offers durability and a stable writing surface. It’s a great choice when you need your journal to endure frequent travel or rough handling.
Many hardcover journals exude a sense of high quality, often featuring robust binding and the ability to lay flat when open.
Soft Cover: On the other hand, a soft cover is more flexible and lightweight.
Soft cover journals are perfect if you prioritize portability and comfort in your hand. They can easily be tucked into bags and take up less space, but may offer less protection for the pages inside.
Paper Quality and GSM
GSM Paper: GSM stands for grams per square meter and essentially refers to the thickness and heft of the paper.
Bullet journals usually range from 80 to 160 GSM. Higher GSM paper, such as 120-160 GSM, is ideal if you’re using markers or fountain pens as it reduces the likelihood of bleed-through and ghosting.
Paper Quality: The feel, texture, and coating of the paper play a substantial role in your writing experience.
Look for terms like “acid-free” and “archival quality” which indicate a paper that won’t yellow or degrade over time. Smooth paper is typically preferred for ease of writing and better ink absorption.
Page Layouts and Styles
Choosing the right page layout is essential for your bullet journaling experience. You’ll find that certain page styles better support different tracking, writing, and sketching needs.
Dot Grid Pages
Dot grid pages offer a flexible canvas for both writing and drawing, making them a popular choice for dot grid notebooks and dot grid journals.
The subtle dots provide guidance for creating straight lines without interrupting the page’s overall appearance. This type of dot grid paper is especially useful if you enjoy creating layouts and trackers that require some level of precision without the visual clutter of full lines.
- Ideal for:
- Drawing diagrams
- Tracking habits
- Bullet journaling
Lined or Blank Pages
If you prefer writing over sketching, a bullet journal with horizontal lines might be your best option. These lines help keep your text aligned and can make longer journal entries easier to read.
On the other hand, blank pages cater to your artistic side, offering a clean slate for freeform drawing and creative expression where straight lines are not necessary.
- Ideal for:
- Long-form journaling
- Freehand drawing
- Mind mapping
Functional Add-ons
Enhancing your bullet journal’s utility can be easily done through a selection of functional add-ons. These features not only help you stay organized but also ensure that your journal feels personalized and efficient for daily use.
Index and Page Numbers
Your bullet journal becomes infinitely more navigable when you include an index page at the start.
Much like a book, this allows you to reference key sections or notes with ease. Additionally, having page numbers pre-printed saves you time and keeps your bullet journal tidy.
- Index Page: Reserve the first few pages for your index and update it as you add content.
- Page Numbers: Check if your journal comes with them, or you might need to add them manually.
Extra Features for Organization
To take your organization to another level, there are additional features you can opt for:
- Elastic Closure: Keeps your journal securely closed and your pages protected.
- Pen Loop: Always have a pen on hand by choosing a journal with a pen loop.
- Back Pocket: A convenient place to store extra notes, stickers, or business cards.
By considering these functional add-ons, your bullet journal can transform into a more comprehensive tool for both organization and creativity.
Bullet Journaling Accessories
But once you have your bullet journal, why stop there?
Choosing the right accessories can elevate the personalization and functionality of your bullet journal. The use of colorful washi tape and a selection of pens tailored to your writing style can significantly enhance the visual appeal and ease of organization within your journal.
Customizing with Washi Tape
Washi tape is an incredibly versatile tool that allows you to add a splash of color and patterns to your bullet journal pages without any mess. You can use washi tape to:
- Highlight important sections or borders.
- Decorate pages with thematic designs.
- Attach items like photos or tickets.
Consider the impact of page size on layout and design when selecting washi tape widths, ensuring the tape compliments your journal’s overall look.
Choosing the Right Pens
Your choice in pens is crucial for a satisfying bullet journaling experience. Here are a few pointers:
- Fountain pens offer a smooth writing experience ideal for those who prefer a classic and elegant touch.
- Gel pens provide a range of colors and are great for adding flair to your spreads.
Remember that the thickness of the pen should match the paper quality to avoid bleed-through. And with fountain pens, consider using higher quality paper to best accommodate the ink flow.
Digital and Print Resources
When it comes to bullet journaling, a plethora of digital and print resources awaits you. These include comprehensive online guides and interactive social media platforms that can elevate your journaling practice, each offering unique tools like printable grid guides and in-depth blog posts.
Online Guides and Blogs
When you’re navigating the world of bullet journal sizes, online guides and blogs can serve as a great resource.
For example, do you need specifics on printing pages for your bullet journal? You can check out guides that outline how to print bullet journal pages to match the size of your journal perfectly.
Social Media Inspiration
Turn to social media for a visual feast of bullet journaling inspiration. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are hubs for creativity, showcasing different styles and techniques.
You can find posts tagged with #BulletJournal that might lead you to a pocket guide for starting a digital bullet journal. For spacing perfectionists, there’s a grid guide that takes the guesswork out of layouts, ensuring each element in your journal is perfectly aligned.
And that’s it – all that you need to know about bullet journal sizes!
What’s your ideal bullet journal size? And how are you using that journal? Be sure to share your tips in the comments!
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