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Best Dot Grid Notebooks: Compare Top A5 Dot-Grid Picks

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Introduction

Dot grid notebooks are a popular choice for people who want flexible, clean layouts for bullet journaling, sketching, planning, or everyday writing. This guide compares four popular A5 or near-A5 dot-grid notebooks—LEUCHTTURM1917, Moleskine, Rhodia, and Scribbles That Matter—focusing on size, page count, paper information where listed, and useful features so you can quickly decide which dotted notebook for bullet journaling or dot grid journal for writing fits your needs.

Quick comparison: how these dot grid notebooks differ (at-a-glance)

  • LEUCHTTURM1917 — Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Dotted) — Best overall
    • A5 footprint (5-7/8 x 8-1/4 inches), 251 numbered pages, faux leather hardcover, dotted pages
  • Moleskine Classic Expanded Notebook, Hard Cover, Large, Dotted (Black) — Best for beginners
    • Large size (5 x 8.25 inches), hardcover, dotted pages, 400 pages (listed in product details)
  • Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black — Best premium
    • A5 size, 90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum paper (listed in product details), leatherette cover, dotted pages
  • Bullet Dotted Journal Dot Grid Notebook (Scribbles That Matter) — Best for bullet journaling
    • A5 paper size, 150 pages, dotted pages

Product breakdowns — one useful section per notebook

LEUCHTTURM1917 — Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Dotted) — Best overall

  • Why it stands out
    • Balanced A5 footprint (5-7/8 x 8-1/4 inches) that’s portable yet roomy.
    • 251 numbered pages help with indexing and tracking entries (listed in product details).
    • Faux leather hardcover offers a durable, professional look.
    • Dotted pages suit both structured bullet layouts and freeform notes.
  • Pros
    • Numbered pages support organization and indexing.
    • Sturdy hardcover keeps pages protected.
    • Classic A5 size fits bags and backpacks comfortably.
  • Cons
    • Page count (251) is mid-range—may fill faster than higher-page alternatives.
    • Paper weight is not listed here—check the product page if paper weight matters for your pens.
  • Buy it

Moleskine Classic Expanded Notebook, Hard Cover, Large, Dotted (Black) — Best for beginners

  • Why it stands out
    • Higher page count (listed as 400 pages) can be useful if you plan a long-term journal.
    • Large size (5 x 8.25 inches) offers a slightly taller writing area compared to typical A5.
    • Hardcover construction provides a stable writing surface.
  • Pros
    • High page count reduces the need to switch notebooks frequently.
    • Large form factor is comfortable for extended writing sessions.
    • Dotted pages are suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
  • Cons
    • Slightly larger footprint may be less convenient for ultra-compact carry.
    • Some product details such as paper weight or numbered pages should be confirmed on the product page if important to you.
  • Buy it

Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black — Best premium

  • Why it stands out
    • Product details list 90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum paper, which is often chosen by users who prioritize paper feel and reduced show-through.
    • Leatherette cover for a refined, premium look and feel (listed in product details).
    • A5 size keeps it portable while providing a reliable writing surface.
  • Pros
    • 90 g paper weight (Ivory Brushed Vellum) is listed in product details—helpful if you want thicker-feel pages.
    • Leatherette cover presents a professional finish.
    • Dotted pages maintain layout flexibility.
  • Cons
    • Page count is not specified here—check the product page if you need a specific number of pages.
    • Premium materials may be more than some users need for casual note-taking.
  • Buy it

Bullet Dotted Journal Dot Grid Notebook (Scribbles That Matter) — Best for bullet journaling

  • Why it stands out
    • Marketed specifically for bullet journaling with A5 size and a clear page count (150 pages) that’s manageable for focused projects or short-term journals.
    • Dotted pages geared toward journalers who want dot grid structure without unnecessary extras.
  • Pros
    • Designed with bullet journaling in mind, so the page count and size align with many journaling workflows.
    • A5 size is a standard and portable choice.
  • Cons
    • 150 pages is lower than some alternatives if you want a multi-year single-bound journal.
    • Cover material and paper weight are not listed here—check the product page for those details if they matter to you.
  • Buy it

Buyer’s guide: what to consider when choosing a dot grid notebook

  • Size
    • A5 (and near-A5 large sizes) are common for bullet journaling and everyday writing because they balance portability and writing area. LEUCHTTURM1917 and Rhodia are A5; Moleskine is slightly larger (5 x 8.25 inches).
  • Page count
    • How long do you want a single notebook to last? Moleskine lists 400 pages; LEUCHTTURM1917 lists 251 numbered pages; Scribbles That Matter lists 150 pages. Choose higher counts for long-term planners.
  • Cover type and durability
    • Hardcovers provide a solid writing surface and protection. LEUCHTTURM1917 lists a faux leather hardcover; Moleskine lists a hardcover; Rhodia lists a leatherette cover. Consider how you carry and store the notebook.
  • Paper weight / quality
    • If paper quality matters, Rhodia lists 90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum paper in its product features—useful for users who want thicker, premium-feel pages. For other notebooks, confirm paper weight on the product page if fountain-pen friendliness or ink bleed is a concern.
  • Numbered pages and indexing
    • LEUCHTTURM1917 explicitly includes 251 numbered pages according to its product details, which helps with indexing and cross-referencing in a bullet journal. If you need numbered pages, confirm availability in the product features for other models.
  • Durability and feel
    • Leatherette/faux leather covers (LEUCHTTURM1917, Rhodia) and hardcovers (Moleskine) generally provide better durability than many softcover alternatives. Think about how often the notebook will be handled or transported.

Which one should you choose? Final recommendation based on use case

  • Everyday journaling and balanced features — Choose LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Dotted)

    A5 footprint, numbered pages, and a durable faux leather hardcover make it a reliable all-rounder for people who want structure (indexing) and portability.

  • Long-term planners or high-volume writers — Choose Moleskine Classic Expanded Notebook, Hard Cover, Large, Dotted (Black)

    The higher page count listed in product details reduces the need to switch notebooks frequently, which can be helpful for long-term projects.

  • Premium paper and refined feel — Choose Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black

    If paper quality is your top priority, Rhodia’s listed 90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum paper and leatherette cover position it as the premium choice in this comparison.

  • Dedicated bullet journaling with a focused notebook — Choose Bullet Dotted Journal Dot Grid Notebook (Scribbles That Matter)

    Marketed for bullet journaling with a clear A5 size and 150 pages, this is a straightforward option if you want a journal tailored to habit trackers, collections, and everyday spreads.

How to get started with your dot grid notebook (setup tips and simple layouts)

  • Basic setup
    • Index / key: Reserve the first few pages for an index and key (symbols for tasks, events, notes).
    • Future log: Add a two- or four-page future log for year-at-a-glance items.
    • Monthly and weekly: Create monthly and weekly layouts that match how you plan (overview vs. day-by-day).
  • Simple layouts to try
    • Monthly calendar: Use a two-page spread with dot-grid columns to draw clean boxes for each day.
    • Weekly spread: Use one row per day or a vertical column layout—dots make even spacing easier.
    • Habit tracker: Draw a compact grid and label habits on the left with days across the top.
    • Rapid logging: Use quick bullets and page numbers (if your notebook has numbered pages) to maintain a running log.
  • Practical tips
    • Use a pencil first when drafting complex layouts, then ink over once satisfied.
    • If you want consistent spacing, count dots or use the dots as guides rather than measuring.
    • For long-term projects, choose a notebook with the page count that matches your intended timeframe.

Where to buy (affiliate links)

Tips before you buy

  • Confirm the specific details that matter to you on the product pages (paper weight, numbered pages, cover material) because only some features are listed in summary product data.
  • Check product images and descriptions on the retailer page to verify features like page numbering, paper color (white vs. ivory), and included accessories (ribbons, pockets, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between dotted and lined notebooks?

A: Dotted notebooks provide a subtle grid of reference points that support freeform writing, layouts, and drawing while staying less visually intrusive than lines, making them well-suited for bullet journaling and flexible page design.

Q: Which size is best for portability and daily use?

A: A5-sized notebooks are a common compromise between portability and usable writing area. In this guide, LEUCHTTURM1917 and Rhodia are A5; Moleskine is slightly larger for more writing space.

Q: Do any of these notebooks include numbered pages?

A: The LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook Hardcover Medium A5 lists 251 numbered pages in its product features. For other notebooks, check the product page for numbering details.

Q: Which option is best if I want premium paper?

A: The Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black lists 90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum paper in its product details, making it the premium-paper pick in this comparison.

Final Verdict

  • Best overall (balanced features and organization): LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Navy, Dotted) — ideal for users who want A5 portability plus numbered pages for indexing. See details and buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095FFUM4?tag=aytxx-20
  • Best for beginners or long-term projects: Moleskine Classic Expanded Notebook, Hard Cover, Large, Dotted (Black) — choose this if you want a higher page count for extended journaling. See details and buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J33MNG3?tag=aytxx-20
  • Best premium paper: Rhodia A5 Webnotebook, Dot, Black — choose this if paper weight and a leatherette cover are top priorities (90 g Ivory Brushed Vellum paper listed). See details and buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006CQSRDS?tag=aytxx-20
  • Best dedicated bullet-journal option: Bullet Dotted Journal Dot Grid Notebook (Scribbles That Matter) — choose this for a focused A5 bullet-journaling experience with 150 pages. See details and buy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N63VX52?tag=aytxx-20

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