The Ultimate Guide to the Notebook Size

Most Popular Notebook Size Chart

Format	Width × Height (mm)	Width × Height (in)
A4	210 × 297	8.3 × 11.7
A5	148 × 210	5.8 × 8.3
Pocket Notebook	90 × 140	3.5 × 5.5
B6	125 × 176	4.9 × 6.9
A6	105 × 148	4.1 × 5.8
B5	176 × 250	6.9 × 9.8
Card book Notebook	55 × 90	2.2 × 3.5
B7	88 × 125	3.5 × 4.9

What are ANSI Standard Paper Sizes?

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) established a standard series of paper sizes beginning with the Letter (8.5" x 11") format and progressing to bigger sizes with the designations A, B, C, D, and E. These ANSI standard sizes were defined in 1992, which is a long time after the ISO standard sizes had already been established. The United States government formally adopted the letter-size paper as a national standard in 1921, and this was further reinforced in the 1980s. ANSI Common names for ANSI A paper size include "Letter" and "Ledger" or "Tabloid."
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In contrast to the ISO standard sizes, which all have the same aspect ratio of 1:root2, the ANSI standard sizes have two different aspect ratios: 1:1.2941 and 1:1.5455, making it more difficult to increase or reduce between the sizes and resulting in larger margins.

ANSI A-Series

The A-series paper size is the most popular in English-speaking countries; it was adopted in Europe in the 19th century. ISO 216, the international standard for paper, dictated its proportions, which are the square root of two for all sizes. To get the next smaller size in the A series, fold the next largest size in half. An A4 sheet of paper becomes an A5 booklet when folded in half.

Format	Width × Height (mm)	Width × Height (in)
A0	841 × 1189	33.1 × 46.8
A1	594 × 841	23.4 × 33.1
A2	420 × 594	16.5 × 23.4
A3	297 × 420	11.7 × 16.5
A4	210 × 297	8.3 × 11.7
A5	148 × 210	5.8 × 8.3
A6	105 × 148	4.1 × 5.8
A7	74 × 105	2.9 × 4.1
A8	52 × 74	2 × 2.9
A9	37 × 52	1.5 × 2
A10	26 × 37	1 × 1.5
A11	18 × 26	0.7 × 1
A12	13 × 18	0.5 × 0.7
A13	9 × 13	0.4 × 0.5
2A0	1189 × 1682	46.8 × 66.2
4A0	1682 × 2378	66.2 × 93.6

ANSI B-Series

The B-series of paper sizes is rarely used but has some specialized uses. The ID-3 passport size is equivalent to a B7. Books are often purchased in B5 bindings. Sheets in the B-series have dimensions determined by taking the geometric mean of the A-series. A B5 sheet, for instance, falls in the middle of the range occupied by an A4 and an A5.

The B-sized pads are nestled in between the A-sized pads to provide a more natural progression from the largest to the smallest size. Access to A and B-sized paper allows for a more nuanced choice based on the user's individual needs and preferred working method.

Format	Width × Height (mm)	Width × Height (in)
B0	1000 × 1414	39.4 × 55.7
B1	707 × 1000	27.8 × 39.4
B2	500 × 707	19.7 × 27.8
B3	353 × 500	13.9 × 19.7
B4	250 × 353	9.8 × 13.9
B5	176 × 250	6.9 × 9.8
B6	125 × 176	4.9 × 6.9
B7	88 × 125	3.5 × 4.9
B8	62 × 88	2.4 × 3.5
B9	44 × 62	1.7 × 2.4
B10	31 × 44	1.2 × 1.7
B11	22 × 31	0.9 × 1.2
B12	15 × 22	0.6 × 0.9
B13	11 × 15	0.4 × 0.6
B0+	1118 × 1580	44 × 62.2
B1+	720 × 1020	28.3 × 40.2

8 Types of Standard Notebook Size

1. Card book notebook

Compact and convenient, the card book notebook at 62 x 88 mm (2.4 x 3.5 inches) is perfect for on-the-go notes and quick idea capturing, easily transitioning your thoughts to more extensive notebooks later.

2. Traveler's Notebook (Passport or B7 Notebook)

Emulating a standard passport, the traveler's notebook measures 90 x 125 mm (3.54 x 4.92 inches), serving as an ever-present companion for diary entries, planning, and travel musings, encapsulating inspiration in a compact form.

3. Pocket Notebook

The versatile pocket notebook, roughly flashcard-sized at 90 x 140 mm (3.5 x 5.5 inches), accommodates daily tasks and creative spurts, ideal for everyone, including kids starting their organizational journey. Its non-standardized size fits snugly into custom covers.

4. A6 Notebook (105 mm x 148mm)

The A6 notebook, fitting comfortably in your back pocket, is the perfect daily companion for recording meetings, tasks, and schedules on the go, blending convenience with capacity.

5. B6 Notebook

With its optimal dimensions of 125 × 176 mm, the B6 notebook is an all-rounder for capturing ideas, planning events, and sketching inspirations. Its perfect balance between size and portability makes it an essential for everyday carry.

6. A5 Notebook (145 mm x 210 mm)

The A5 notebook, not much larger than an iPad, offers a generous canvas for everything from bullet journaling to sketching, renowned for its versatility and elegant formality. It's an ideal companion for both educational and professional settings.

7. B5 Size Notebook (190 mm x 250mm)

The B5 notebook, often confused with a composition book, is a spacious medium for extensive notes, creative drafts, and academic endeavors. Its substantial yet portable design aligns with international standards, accommodating a diverse range of uses.

8. A4 Size Notebook (210 mm x 297 mm)

Echoing the dimensions of a US letter, the A4 notebook is a preferred choice for those fond of European or Japanese paper quality.

Ideal for comprehensive writing projects, artistic drafts, and presentations, its standardized size is recognized globally, though not yet adopted in the United States or Canada.

Jerome Wu

About the Author

Jerome Wu, a renowned expert in the stationery field, crafts insightful content for Interwell Stationery. With over a decade of industry experience, Jerome brings a deep understanding of stationery trends and innovation.

Connect with Jerome for blog collaborations or inquiries at jerome@interwell.cn.