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10 Best Dotted Journals 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook, (Mint), 160 Pages, Medium 5.7 inches x 8 inches - 100 gsm Thick Paper, Hardcover

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,368
Size
Paper Quality
Binding

Most important from
64713 reviews

Size
The journal's size is perfect for carrying in a purse or backpack, combining portability with enough space for note-taking.
Paper Quality
The paper has a satisfying weight and smooth feel that works well with pens, though markers may sometimes bleed through.
Binding
The sturdy binding allows the journal to lay flat, making writing comfortable and effortless.
Cover Material
Its vibrant colors and sleek design give it a visually appealing, high-quality look.

The PAPERAGE Dotted Journal is a solid choice if you want a durable, stylish notebook for bullet journaling or general note-taking. It has a medium size (5.6 x 8 inches) that’s easy to carry around but still offers enough space for writing and drawing. The hardcover is made from water-resistant vegan leather, so it can handle daily use without getting damaged easily. Inside, the 160 pages of 100 GSM thick, acid-free paper feel sturdy and smooth, reducing the chances of ink bleeding or ghosting through pages—great if you like using markers or fountain pens.

The thread-bound design lets the journal lay flat when open, making writing comfortable whether you’re right- or left-handed. Designed specifically for bullet journaling, the dotted grid provides a neat, flexible guide for organizing your notes or sketches. Extra touches like a ribbon bookmark, elastic closure, inner expandable pocket for storing small papers, and sticker labels to personalize your book add to its convenience.

While the 160 pages might be limiting if you want a long-term journal, and the relatively small size could feel cramped if you prefer larger layouts or detailed artwork, this journal is well suited for everyday use at work, school, or creative planning. It offers quality materials and thoughtful features that make it a dependable and attractive option.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,368
Size
Paper Quality
Binding

Most important from
64713 reviews

Size
The journal's size is perfect for carrying in a purse or backpack, combining portability with enough space for note-taking.
Paper Quality
The paper has a satisfying weight and smooth feel that works well with pens, though markers may sometimes bleed through.
Binding
The sturdy binding allows the journal to lay flat, making writing comfortable and effortless.
Cover Material
Its vibrant colors and sleek design give it a visually appealing, high-quality look.
#2

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Notebook Hardcover Medium A5-251 Numbered Pages for Writing and Journaling (Berry, Dotted)

Rating
9.1
Paper Quality
Size
Cover Material

Most important from
35185 reviews

Paper Quality
The LEUCHTTURM1917 stands out with its smooth paper finish, making it feel superior to Moleskine notebooks.
Size
The slightly wider pages offer extra real estate for writing and drawing, which is a nice touch.
Cover Material
The hardcover and elastic closure band add durability and a touch of elegance, making it sturdy for daily use.

The LEUCHTTURM1917 Notebook in Berry is a stylish and versatile dotted journal, suitable for a variety of uses like journaling, note-taking, and planning. Its A5 size makes it portable yet spacious enough for detailed notes. The 251 numbered pages are made of 80g/m² acid-free paper, which prevents ink bleed and ensures durability over time. The dot grid spacing is ideal for bullet journaling or other structured layouts.

The paper quality is excellent, providing a smooth writing experience with high ink compatibility, though heavy ink users might experience slight ghosting. The thread-bound binding allows the notebook to lay flat, enhancing usability, especially for those who need to write or sketch near the spine. The hardcover, made from faux leather, adds a touch of elegance and ensures the notebook withstands daily wear and tear.

Additional features like the two bookmarks, elastic closure band, expandable gusseted pocket, and perforated detachable sheets offer great convenience and organizational options. However, the notebook's price might be on the higher side compared to other brands, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious users. The bright Berry color and design make it a popular choice, though the color might not appeal to everyone. The LEUCHTTURM1917 is a high-quality, durable notebook ideal for users looking for a reliable and stylish journaling option with ample features for organization and creativity.

Rating
9.1
Paper Quality
Size
Cover Material

Most important from
35185 reviews

Paper Quality
The LEUCHTTURM1917 stands out with its smooth paper finish, making it feel superior to Moleskine notebooks.
Size
The slightly wider pages offer extra real estate for writing and drawing, which is a nice touch.
Cover Material
The hardcover and elastic closure band add durability and a touch of elegance, making it sturdy for daily use.
#3

LEUCHTTURM1917 - Natural Colors - Hardcover Notebook - 251 Numbered Pages (Dotted Paper, Mint Green)

Rating
8.8
Paper Quality
Size
Cover Material

Most important from
35185 reviews

Paper Quality
The LEUCHTTURM1917 journal is preferred over Moleskine for its smoother paper finish and superior printing quality.
Size
The slightly wider pages offer extra space for writing and drawing, making it more versatile.
Cover Material
The journal's hardcover and durable build make it a reliable choice for frequent use and travel.

The LEUCHTTURM1917 Dotted Journal in Mint Green offers a lot of value for those who love to journal, take notes, or create sketches. It's A5 size, which is portable and convenient for carrying around in different settings. The notebook features 251 numbered pages with high-quality 80g/m² acid-free paper, meaning you can write with various pens without worrying about ink bleeding through the pages.

The dot grid spacing is suitable for those who like both structure and flexibility in their notes or drawings. The thread-bound binding ensures that the notebook opens flat, which is very useful for ease of writing and reading. The hardcover made of faux leather is stylish and durable, perfect for long-term use. It also includes practical features like an expandable pocket for loose papers, two ribbon page markers, and an elastic closure band, adding to the notebook's functionality.

However, some users might find the price a bit high compared to other notebooks, and the 80g/m² paper, while good, might not be thick enough for heavy ink users. Additionally, the faux leather cover, while durable, might not appeal to those looking for a more premium feel. If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and functional dotted journal, this could be a great option.

Rating
8.8
Paper Quality
Size
Cover Material

Most important from
35185 reviews

Paper Quality
The LEUCHTTURM1917 journal is preferred over Moleskine for its smoother paper finish and superior printing quality.
Size
The slightly wider pages offer extra space for writing and drawing, making it more versatile.
Cover Material
The journal's hardcover and durable build make it a reliable choice for frequent use and travel.

Buying Guide for the Best Dotted Journals

Choosing the right dotted journal can significantly enhance your note-taking, planning, and creative activities. Dotted journals are versatile tools that can be used for bullet journaling, sketching, writing, and more. To find the best fit for you, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact your overall experience with the journal.
Paper QualityPaper quality is crucial because it affects how well your pen or pencil writes on the page and whether there is any bleed-through or ghosting. Paper quality is often measured in GSM (grams per square meter). Lower GSM (around 70-80) is thinner and may show ink through the page, while higher GSM (90-120) is thicker and better for heavy ink use. If you use fountain pens or markers, opt for higher GSM paper to prevent bleed-through. For regular pen use, mid-range GSM should suffice.
SizeThe size of the journal determines how portable it is and how much space you have for writing or drawing. Common sizes include A5 (5.8 x 8.3 inches), which is compact and portable, and A4 (8.3 x 11.7 inches), which offers more space but is less portable. Choose a size based on your needs: A5 is great for carrying around and quick notes, while A4 is better for detailed planning and larger sketches.
BindingBinding affects the durability and usability of the journal. Common types include stitched, spiral, and glue binding. Stitched binding is durable and allows the journal to lay flat, which is ideal for writing and drawing. Spiral binding allows for easy page turning and can be folded back, but may be less durable. Glue binding is less durable and may not lay flat. Choose stitched binding for a long-lasting journal that is easy to use.
Cover MaterialThe cover material impacts the journal's durability and aesthetic appeal. Options include hard cover, soft cover, and leather. Hard covers provide the best protection and durability, making them ideal for frequent use and travel. Soft covers are lighter and more flexible but offer less protection. Leather covers are durable and stylish but can be more expensive. Choose based on your preference for durability and style.
Dot Grid SpacingDot grid spacing refers to the distance between the dots on the page, typically measured in millimeters. Common spacings are 5mm and 3.5mm. Wider spacing (5mm) is better for larger handwriting and drawing, while narrower spacing (3.5mm) is ideal for smaller handwriting and detailed work. Choose the spacing that best matches your writing or drawing style.
Number of PagesThe number of pages determines how long the journal will last before you need a new one. Journals can range from 100 to 250 pages or more. If you plan to use the journal frequently, opt for one with more pages to avoid running out quickly. For occasional use, a journal with fewer pages may be sufficient.

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