How to choose a bullet journal
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The best bullet journal for you depends on your pen type, portability needs, and how much ghosting you can tolerate. Look for at least 100 gsm paper if you use fountain pens or markers, choose a size that fits your bag, and pick a dot grid layout for maximum flexibility.
What paper weight is best for bullet journals?
Paper weight is the most common deciding factor, and it is almost always measured in grams per square meter (gsm). A notebook with 80 gsm paper is fine for pencil or ballpoint pen, but you will likely see ghosting with gel pens and nearly guaranteed bleeding with fountain pens or markers. For most people, 100 gsm to 120 gsm hits the sweet spot: it holds up well to moderate ink without feeling like cardstock. Journals with 160 gsm or higher are practically bleed-proof and great for heavy art, but they add thickness and weight. If you only use dry media or a fine ballpoint, you can save money and go lighter.
Dot grid vs lined vs blank: which layout should I choose?
Dot grid is the default choice for bullet journalists because it offers structure without being as visually noisy as ruled lines. The faint dots guide you to draw straight lines, create tables, and align headers, yet they disappear into the background when you scan the page. Lined paper works perfectly if you write in full sentences and rarely draw diagrams, but it can feel restrictive for habit trackers or signifiers. Blank paper gives you total freedom with no guidelines, which is excellent for art-heavy spreads but makes neat handwriting a chore unless you have very steady hands. Stick with dot grid unless you know you hate it.
What size bullet journal is right for me?
The two most popular sizes are A5 (roughly 6″ by 9″) and B5 (about 7″ by 10″). A5 is the standard – it fits easily in most bags, lies flat on a desk, and offers enough room for daily logs without feeling oversized. B5 gives you more real estate for complex collections but is bulkier and heavier to carry around. Pocket-sized options (like A6) are handy for quick notes but require very small handwriting and frequent new books. If you are new to bullet journaling, start with A5; it is the most versatile and has the widest selection of notebooks and accessories.
Binding type: lay-flat, spiral, or hardcover?
A notebook that lies completely flat when open makes a huge difference in usability. Lay-flat binding is achieved either through exposed stitching (often called Smyth-sewn) or a flexible spine. Sewn bindings are durable and allow you to open the journal to any page without cracking the spine. Spiral-bound notebooks open fully but the coils can snag on bags and the pages can tear out over time. Hardcover notebooks offer more protection for your pages but may not lie flat unless they are specifically designed to do so. If you plan to carry your journal everywhere, a sturdy hardcover with sewn binding is worth the investment.
Do I need numbered pages and an index?
The original Bullet Journal Method relies on an index and numbered pages to quickly locate collections. Some notebooks come pre-numbered, which saves you the tedious task of numbering dozens of pages yourself. If you are strict about following the method, look for a journal that already has page numbers printed at the bottom corner. That said, many people prefer to skip the index entirely or create a simple table of contents on a post-it. Pre-numbered pages are a convenience, not a requirement. If you find a notebook you love that lacks numbers, you can add them in a few minutes with a pen.
How many pages should a bullet journal have for a year?
A typical year of daily bullet journaling uses between 150 and 250 pages, depending on how many collections, trackers, and dutch doors you create. Most standard notebooks offer 192 or 248 pages, which is enough for most people to last 6 to 12 months. If you write very small and keep your journal minimal, you might fill only a page every two days. If you add full-page habit trackers, weekly spreads, and long-form journaling, you could go through a 200-page journal in three months. There is no right answer – buy a notebook that feels comfortable, and if it runs out early, treat yourself to another one.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bullet journal?
A bullet journal is a customizable organization system that combines a to-do list, planner, diary, and notebook into one. It uses rapid logging – short, bulleted entries – to capture tasks, events, and notes, along with collections like habit trackers or future logs.
Do I need an expensive notebook to start bullet journaling?
Not at all. You can start with any notebook you already own. The method works just as well in a cheap spiral notebook as in a premium leather-bound journal. Expensive notebooks offer nicer paper and construction, but the system itself is independent of the price tag.
What pen works best with bullet journals?
The ideal pen depends on your paper. For notebooks with 100 gsm or more, fine-tip gel pens or fountain pens with a nib size of extra-fine or fine work well. On thinner paper, stick with ballpoint or a mild rollerball to avoid ghosting. A waterproof ink is a plus if you use watercolors or highlighters.
How do I prevent ghosting and bleeding in my bullet journal?
Ghosting happens when ink shows through the page; bleeding occurs when ink soaks through completely. To reduce both, choose a notebook with heavier paper (100 gsm or higher), use pens with smaller nibs or drier ink, and avoid pressing too hard. A blotter card or a piece of cardboard behind the page also helps.
Is a hardcover or softcover notebook better for bullet journaling?
Hardcovers offer better protection for your pages and a sturdy writing surface anywhere, but they add weight. Softcovers are lighter and more flexible, making them easier to slip into a tight bag pocket. For daily carry, a softcover with a thick cover is a good middle ground.
How do I choose between a pre-printed planner and a blank bullet journal?
Pre-printed planners have fixed layouts that can feel restrictive if your week changes. A blank bullet journal forces you to create your own spreads, which gives you total freedom but requires more time upfront. If you value flexibility over convenience, go with a blank dot-grid notebook.