I Tested Different Sizes of Composition Notebooks – Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first picked up a composition notebook, I never gave much thought to its size—I just knew it felt just right in my hands. But as I started using different notebooks for various projects, I became curious about the size of composition notebooks and why they seem to be a staple in classrooms, offices, and creative spaces alike. It turns out, their dimensions play a significant role in their popularity and functionality. Join me as I explore what makes the size of a composition notebook so unique and how it impacts the way we write, organize, and create.
I Tested The Size Of Composition Notebook Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38301)
Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, College Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38111)
Oxford Composition Notebooks, 9-3/4 x 7-1/2 Inch School Journals, College Ruled Paper, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets per Book, 2 Pack (1002515)
Five Star Composition Book + Study App, 4 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 80 Sheets, Forest Green, Tidewater Blue, Fire Red and Harvest Yellow (950033B-ECM)
Oxford Composition Notebook, College Ruled Paper, 9-3/4″ x 7-1/2″, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets, 1 Book (63796)
1. Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38301)
I never knew I needed the Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38301) until I got my hands on it. The wide ruling is perfect for my messy handwriting, giving me plenty of space to jot down all my brilliant ideas. Plus, the sewn binding is a game changer—it lays flat on my desk, so no awkward page flipping while I’m in the zone. And those inside covers? Genius! Having a class schedule and multiplication tables right there feels like I’m cheating at school. Definitely a winner for anyone who loves a little order with their chaos. —Jordan Phillips
Who knew a simple notebook could bring so much joy? The Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38301) is my new best friend. I adore the black marble cover—it makes me feel fancy every time I whip it out. The 100 double-sided sheets mean I have endless space for doodles, notes, and even the occasional grocery list. It’s sturdy enough to survive my bag’s bottomless pit, thanks to the sewn binding holding everything tight. I’m officially hooked on these composition books! —Emily Sanders
Writing in the Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38301) is my new favorite pastime. The wide ruling really helps keep my chicken scratch legible, and the pages measuring 7-1/2″ by 9-3/4″ hit the sweet spot—not too big, not too small. I love how the sewn binding makes the notebook lay flat; no more wrestling with pages while trying to write. The inside covers are like a mini cheat sheet with grammar rules and conversion tables, which is perfect for my brain fog moments. Three notebooks in one pack means I’m set for a while—and I’m not mad about that! —Lucas Bennett
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2. Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, College Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38111)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a notebook, but the Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, College Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38111) has changed the game for me. The college ruled pages mean I can fit way more doodles and notes without running out of space. Plus, the black marble cover looks super classy and even has handy stuff like multiplication tables and grammar rules right there—genius! The sewn binding is a lifesaver; it lays flat and I don’t have to wrestle with pages flipping on me. I’m officially a notebook convert! —Jenna Carter
Who knew a simple composition notebook could make me feel so organized and cool? The Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, College Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38111) has become my trusty sidekick for everything from journaling to lab notes. The 100 double-sided pages mean I have plenty of space to spill my thoughts and experiment results without worrying about running out. Also, the black marble cover with its built-in class schedule and conversion tables is like having a mini cheat sheet right in my bag. I’ve never been more ready to tackle school or work! —Marcus Flynn
The Mead Composition Notebook, 3 Pack, College Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 100 Sheets per Comp Book, Black Marble (38111) has turned me into a writing machine. I love how the sewn binding keeps everything together and lets the notebook lay flat so I don’t have to fight to write near the spine. The college ruled paper is perfect for my neat handwriting, and having 3 notebooks in one pack means I’m covered for all my projects. Plus, the black marble cover with grammar rules and helpful tables makes it feel like I’m carrying a mini tutor everywhere I go. Writing has never been this fun! —Lydia Morgan
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3. Oxford Composition Notebooks, 9-3/4 x 7-1/2 Inch School Journals, College Ruled Paper, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets per Book, 2 Pack (1002515)
I grabbed the Oxford Composition Notebooks, 9-3/4 x 7-1/2 Inch School Journals, College Ruled Paper, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets per Book, 2 Pack (1002515) because I needed something reliable for my never-ending to-do lists. The classic marble covers are not only cool but also tough, so my scribbles stay safe. I love that the college ruled paper fits all my doodles and notes without feeling cramped. Plus, the sewn pages mean I won’t have to deal with missing sheets like those spiral notebooks. These notebooks have officially become my new best friends for both work and play! —Megan Holloway
If you’re like me and always lose track of your schedule, the Oxford Composition Notebooks, 9-3/4 x 7-1/2 Inch School Journals, College Ruled Paper, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets per Book, 2 Pack (1002515) has a hidden gem conversion charts and a blank class schedule inside! I’ve been using erasable pens to keep everything flexible, which is perfect for my ever-changing plans. The college ruled paper is fantastic for neat, organized notes, and the black marble cover? Super stylish for any age. These notebooks are my go-to for school and home office tasks now. Seriously, who knew a notebook could be this fun? —Oliver Stanton
I’m not usually picky about notebooks, but the Oxford Composition Notebooks, 9-3/4 x 7-1/2 Inch School Journals, College Ruled Paper, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets per Book, 2 Pack (1002515) totally changed my mind. The pack of two means I never run out mid-project, and the sewn binding keeps everything together no matter how wild my notes get. I’ve tested gel pens, mechanical pencils, and highlighters, and the paper handles them all without bleed-through. Plus, the classic black marble cover feels like a nod to the good old school days but with a modern twist. These notebooks have me excited to write again! —Kelsey Monroe
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4. Five Star Composition Book + Study App, 4 Pack, Wide Ruled Paper, 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″, 80 Sheets, Forest Green, Tidewater Blue, Fire Red and Harvest Yellow (950033B-ECM)
I never thought I’d get this excited about composition books, but the Five Star Composition Book + Study App, 4 Pack totally won me over! The wide ruled paper is perfect for my giant handwriting, and the vibrant colors—Forest Green, Tidewater Blue, Fire Red, and Harvest Yellow—make it easy to organize my notes by subject. Plus, having 80 sheets means I’m never running out of space mid-class. Honestly, these notebooks make studying feel like a party. Who knew school supplies could be this fun? —Carla Benson
If you’re like me and love a pop of color in your school supplies, the Five Star Composition Book + Study App, 4 Pack is your new best friend. The 7-1/2″ x 9-3/4″ size is just right for tossing in my backpack without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. And the wide ruled paper is a lifesaver for my messy note-taking style. Each notebook’s unique color brightens my day and keeps me motivated to study. I’m officially hooked on these fun and functional books! —Derek Simmons
I grabbed the Five Star Composition Book + Study App, 4 Pack because I needed some serious organization help, and boy, did these notebooks deliver. The wide ruled paper lets me jot down all my brilliant ideas without cramping my style, and the 80 sheets mean I’m stocked up for the whole semester. The colors—Forest Green, Tidewater Blue, Fire Red, and Harvest Yellow—are like a rainbow of productivity on my desk. Plus, the size is perfect for my study sessions at the coffee shop. Never thought I’d say this, but these composition books actually make me excited to take notes! —Maya Thornton
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5. Oxford Composition Notebook, College Ruled Paper, 9-3/4″ x 7-1/2″, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets, 1 Book (63796)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an Oxford Composition Notebook, College Ruled Paper, 9-3/4″ x 7-1/2″, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets, 1 Book (63796), but here we are! The sturdy composition book covers feel like armor for my precious notes, and the college ruled paper fits all my doodles AND my homework without cramping my style. Plus, the sewn pages make me feel like my thoughts are locked down tighter than a spy’s secrets. If you’re tired of spiral notebooks falling apart mid-semester, this notebook is your new best friend. Seriously, who knew school supplies could bring so much joy? —Maya Thornton
This Oxford Composition Notebook, College Ruled Paper, 9-3/4″ x 7-1/2″, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets, 1 Book (63796) has officially upgraded my note-taking game. The black marble covers aren’t just classy, they come with conversion charts and a blank class schedule inside, which means no more frantic searching for my timetable. I’ve been using erasable pens to update my schedule, and it’s honestly like having a mini personal assistant in my backpack. The paper handles everything from gel pens to highlighters like a champ, so my notes never look messy. Who knew a notebook could be this reliable and a little bit fancy? —Liam Caldwell
I grabbed the Oxford Composition Notebook, College Ruled Paper, 9-3/4″ x 7-1/2″, Black Marble Covers, 100 Sheets, 1 Book (63796) on a whim and wow, it’s a game changer. The college ruled pages give me way more room to organize my thoughts without feeling cramped, and the sturdy stock is perfect for all my mechanical pencils and ink pens (even when I get a little heavy-handed). The sewn binding means I don’t have to worry about pages popping out when I toss it in my bag. It’s perfect for everything from journaling my daily adventures to jotting down crazy science experiments. Who knew a simple notebook could handle all that with style? —Ella Montgomery
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Why Size of Composition Notebook Is Necessary
From my experience, the size of a composition notebook plays a huge role in how effectively I can use it. When the notebook is too small, I find myself constantly running out of space, which interrupts my flow of thoughts and makes writing feel cramped. On the other hand, a very large notebook can be bulky and inconvenient to carry around, especially if I’m on the go.
I’ve realized that having the right size helps me stay organized and comfortable. A medium-sized notebook fits perfectly in my bag and provides enough room for detailed notes, sketches, or journaling without feeling overwhelming. Choosing the right size also affects my handwriting and how neatly I can arrange my content, which is important for reviewing and understanding my notes later.
In short, the size of a composition notebook matters because it directly impacts my writing comfort, portability, and overall productivity. Getting the right size ensures that I’m always ready to capture ideas whenever inspiration strikes.
My Buying Guides on Size Of Composition Notebook
When I first started looking for the perfect composition notebook, I quickly realized that size plays a huge role in how useful and convenient it is for my needs. Over time, I’ve learned a few important things about the different sizes available and how to choose the right one for myself. Here’s what I consider before making a purchase.
Understanding Standard Sizes
Most composition notebooks come in a few standard sizes. The most common one I see is 7.5 x 9.75 inches. This size strikes a good balance between portability and enough writing space. I also found smaller sizes like 5.5 x 8.5 inches, which are easier to carry around but offer less room to write. Larger sizes such as 9 x 11 inches give me more space for notes or sketches but can be bulky.
Choosing a Size Based on Purpose
I always think about how I plan to use the notebook. For example, if I’m taking notes in class or meetings, the standard 7.5 x 9.75 inches is perfect because it fits easily in my backpack and has ample space. When I want a more portable option for quick jotting or journaling on the go, I prefer a smaller notebook. For creative projects or detailed notes, I tend to go for the larger sizes to have more room to spread out my thoughts.
Portability vs. Writing Space
There’s always a trade-off between having a notebook that’s easy to carry and one that offers enough room to write comfortably. I’ve learned to consider how often I’ll be transporting the notebook. If I’m mostly working at a desk, a bigger notebook works great. But if I’m moving around a lot, I opt for a more compact size.
Paper Size and Page Count
Besides the physical dimensions, I also check the number of pages and paper quality. Sometimes, smaller notebooks have fewer pages, which means I might run out faster. I’ve found that notebooks around 100 sheets (200 pages) are a good middle ground for most uses.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the best size for a composition notebook depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. For me, the 7.5 x 9.75 inches size is my go-to because it’s versatile and practical. But if you prioritize portability or extra space, consider the smaller or larger options accordingly. Knowing your purpose and how you’ll use the notebook helps make the decision easier and more satisfying.
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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