Short Answer
In the United States, standard loose-leaf notebook paper and full-size spiral notebooks are usually letter size, which is 8.5 x 11 inches (about 216 x 279 mm). Not all notebook paper follows this, though. Composition books, legal pads, pocket notebooks, and notebooks made to international standards are often different sizes.
Common Sizes at a Glance
Sizes are approximate. Manufacturers vary, especially for notebooks with covers.
| Type | Typical size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 8.5 x 11 in | Standard loose-leaf and many spiral notebooks |
| Legal pad | 8.5 x 11.75 in or 8.5 x 14 in | Pads vary; true legal paper is 14 in tall |
| Composition book | About 9.75 x 7.5 in | Smaller and squarer than letter |
| A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 in (210 x 297 mm) | Close to Letter, slightly narrower and taller |
| A5 | 5.83 x 8.27 in (148 x 210 mm) | Half of A4; popular for journals |
| Junior or half-letter pads | About 5 x 8 in | Small writing pads |
Letter vs A4
Letter and A4 are similar but not identical. Letter is wider and shorter than A4. If you use a binder or filing system, a sheet of A4 may stick out slightly at the top or sit loosely at the sides, and the reverse is true for Letter in an A4 folder. For journals, this mostly matters when you print inserts or buy refills made for the other standard. For bullet journals specifically, see bullet journal sizes. See journal notebook sizes for how A-series sizes compare.
Where Notebook Paper Differs
Loose-leaf and binder paper
It is generally letter size with three punched holes, though some pads are narrower or use other hole patterns. Check the packaging before buying for a specific binder.
Composition notebooks
A composition notebook is a stiff-covered, bound book. Its pages are smaller than letter size. If you are choosing between formats, see composition vs spiral notebook.
Spiral notebooks
Many are letter size or close to it, but there are also half-size, memo, and pocket versions. Learn more in what is a spiral notebook.
Legal pads
Legal pads are typically yellow and have a different page shape. Many are 8.5 inches wide and either 11.75 or 14 inches tall, depending on the pad.
Notebook Size vs Paper Size
The paper inside and the notebook you hold are not always the same size. A notebook with a cover, a bound edge, or a tab can be slightly larger than its pages. If you need an exact fit, measure the pages rather than the cover.
Printing or Using Binders With Notebook Paper
- Printers generally take Letter in the US. Printing on lined notebook paper can jam, and paper with perforated holes or fringe may not feed well, so check the printer instructions.
- Binders for Letter sheets with three-hole punching are standard; planners and journals often use different, smaller formats.
- If you are planning a journal kit, our journal supplies list lists other items to check for fit.
FAQ
Is notebook paper 8.5 x 11?
Usually, in the US. Loose-leaf and many full-size notebooks are 8.5 x 11 inches, but composition books and many journals are smaller.
What is a composition notebook?
A bound notebook with a stiff cover, sewn or taped spine, and fixed pages.
What size is Letter paper in millimeters?
About 216 x 279 mm.
Is A4 the same as letter size?
No. A4 is slightly longer and narrower than Letter.