An 8.5×11 Bullet Journal – also known as US Letter size – is unique. But does it work for Bullet Journaling? To answer that, we need to understand the basics of what a bullet journal is used for and who uses them and how.
What is 8.5×11 Bullet Journal size?
8.5×11 Bullet Journal size is simply 8.5 inches wide by 11 inches tall – which is also known as US Letter size. Each page in an 8.5×11 Bullet Journal or notebook will be approximately this size, and may have anywhere from only a few pages to many pages.
It can be difficult to find a dot grid or graph paper notebook or journal in this size, but a few I’ve found include Archer & Olive, pen + Gear (available at Walmart), and OfficeHub (available at Dollar General).
Why isn’t 8.5×11 Bullet Journal size more popular?
Bullet journaling has become a popular way for people to stay organized, plan their day, and track their progress. One of the biggest appeals of bullet journaling is the creative freedom it provides. You can create custom spreads and layouts that work for your unique needs and preferences.
However, choosing the right journal size can be a challenge. It can be especially difficult for those in the USA, where the standard school notebook size is 8.5×11.
You’ll find plenty of these notebooks, also known as US Letter size, if you walk into any local big-box retailer in the United States. This is because inch-based paper measurements are very common in North America. But once you travel overseas, you’ll quickly find the ISO 216 standard millimeter-based paper sizes – including DIN A or A Series and DIN B or B Series – are much more accessible internationally.
US Letter Bullet Journal – Who uses them?
By now, you’re probably understanding the geographical scope of where you can find 8.5×11 Bullet Journals. So although many bullet journal enthusiasts prefer the more traditional A5 size journals, but these can be harder to come by in the US. They can also be more expensive to ship from overseas.
For those looking for a more accessible option, an 8.5×11 bullet journal can be a great choice. Not only is it easier to find and less expensive to purchase, but it also provides a larger page area for spreads and layouts.
Benefits to a Larger Bullet Journal size
While the 8.5×11 bullet journal may be unconventional, it can still provide all the benefits of a traditional bullet journal and more. The most obvious advantage is the larger amount of space you have on each page. This can make it much easier to see the bigger picture between your scheduling, task lists, and habit tracking, for example. In fact, I wrote another blog post about the advantages of a larger bullet journal you can read here: Bullet Journal – Is Bigger Better?
An Essential 8.5×11 Bullet Journal Accessory
And while that larger size can offer more space, creating layouts can make for a frustrating and time-consuming experience. There are many more dots and spaces to count and divide in an 8.5×11 Bullet Journal vs. a smaller one – a LOT more.
But I have a solution for those looking to take their bullet journaling to the next level. The Grid Tool is an inexpensive, time-saving option that reduces the frustration of counting and calculating and mistakes while offering you creative freedom.
The Grid Tool for US Letter + US Filler Paper
The US Letter bundle of The Grid Tool are reusable grid rulers that can be used to create custom spreads and layouts in your bullet journal. The set includes:
- The Grid Tool 5x5mm US Letter,
- The Grid Tool 5x5mm US Filler Paper,
- The Grid Tool 5x5mm Half US Letter,
- The Grid Tool 5x5mm Half US Letter Slim, and
- The Grid Tool 5x5mm Quarter US Letter
These tools make it easy to create grids and rulers in your bullet journal, no matter what size journal you prefer. With The Grid Tool, you can quickly create even rows and columns, It makes it easy to create custom calendars, spreads, and layouts. Leaving you with more time to spend outside your planner – on the rest of your daily life.
Are You Considering a US Letter Bullet Journal?
In conclusion, for American bullet journal enthusiasts looking for a more accessible and affordable option, an 8.5×11 bullet journal can be a great choice. And with The Grid Tool, you can take your bullet journaling to the next level with custom spreads and layouts that are quick, easy, and precise. So why not give it a try and see what an 8.5×11 bullet journal and The Grid Tool can do for you?