Best Bullet journal notebook (2025 Expert Guide)

The Ultimate Bullet Journal Notebook: A Real Tester's Complete Guide

I've been bullet journaling for over three years now, and I can tell you that not all notebooks are created equal. After testing dozens of different options, burning through cheap alternatives that bled ink, and dealing with pages that wouldn't lay flat, I've learned what truly makes a bullet journal notebook worth your investment.

When LEUCHTTURM1917 released their Official Bullet Journal Edition 2, I knew I had to put it through my rigorous testing process. I've filled nearly half of this notebook over the past four months, using everything from fountain pens to watercolor pencils, creating weekly spreads, habit trackers, and those satisfying monthly layouts we all love.

What sets a great bullet journal apart isn't just the dots on the page – it's how the paper handles different inks, whether the binding stays strong after months of use, and if the layout features actually help or just add clutter. I'll walk you through exactly what I discovered during my hands-on testing.

Quick Comparison

While I'm focusing on the LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 in this detailed review, it's worth noting that this notebook has become the gold standard in the bullet journaling community. With a 4.7-star rating from over 1,700 customers and a price point of $31.50, it sits in the premium category but delivers features specifically designed for bullet journaling that you won't find in generic dot grid notebooks.

LEUCHTTURM1917 The Official Bullet Journal Edition 2

Why We Chose It

I chose to test this notebook because it's literally designed in collaboration with Ryder Carroll, the creator of the bullet journal method. Unlike generic dot grid notebooks, this one comes pre-formatted with the essential bullet journal elements: a key page, index, and future log. After using improvised systems in regular notebooks for years, I wanted to see if these built-in features actually made a difference in my daily practice.

The 120gsm paper specification immediately caught my attention too. Most notebooks use 70-90gsm paper, which often means bleed-through and ghosting. At 120gsm, this paper promised to handle my various pens and markers without compromise.

Key Features

The Edition 2 comes packed with features I tested extensively:

• 204 numbered pages with dot grid (compared to typical 150-page notebooks)
• Pre-formatted bullet journal sections including Key, Index, and Future Log
• 120gsm sustainably-sourced paper (significantly thicker than standard options)
• BuJo pocket guide that doubles as a ruler and fits in the back pocket
• Smart grid with subtle markers for quick page division
• Larger margins (6mm vs standard 5mm) for better content framing
• Date-related sticker sheet plus metallic accent stickers
• Grid guide printed inside the front cover

Performance

I tested this notebook with my usual arsenal of writing tools: Pilot G2 pens, Sakura Pigma Microns, Zebra Mildliners, Tombow dual brush pens, and even my Lamy fountain pen with different ink colors. The 120gsm paper performed exceptionally well – I experienced zero bleed-through, even with the juiciest gel pens.

The dot grid spacing is perfect at 5mm intervals. I found the subtle grid markers genuinely helpful for quickly dividing pages into sections without needing a ruler every time. The larger margins made a noticeable difference when creating headers and titles – there's enough space for decorative elements without cramping the main content area.

After four months of daily use, the binding remains solid. The pages lay completely flat when open, which isn't always the case with bound notebooks. I've carried this in backpacks, tossed it on desks, and it's held up beautifully. The elastic band closure keeps pages secure, and the bookmark ribbons (there are two) have become essential for quick navigation between current spreads and my index.

The pre-formatted sections saved me significant setup time. Having the bullet key already printed meant I could start using the system immediately instead of spending time creating my own legend. The index pages are numbered and ready to go, and the future log spanning six months gave me exactly the long-term planning space I needed.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional paper quality with no bleed-through or ghosting
• Pre-formatted bullet journal elements save significant setup time
• Larger margins provide better layout flexibility
• Grid markers genuinely speed up page layout process
• Includes practical accessories (stickers, ruler/guide)
• Excellent build quality and durability
• 204 pages offer great value for long-term use

Cons:

• Premium price point may deter budget-conscious users
• Heavier than standard notebooks due to thick paper
• Black cover shows fingerprints and wear more easily
• Some may prefer completely blank customization over pre-formatted sections

Best For

This notebook excels for serious bullet journalists who want premium materials and appreciate having the foundational elements built-in. It's perfect for users who plan to stick with one notebook for 6-8 months and want assurance their various pens and markers won't bleed through. If you're someone who values quality construction and doesn't mind paying extra for features specifically designed for bullet journaling, this is an excellent choice.

Buying Guide

When I'm helping friends choose their first bullet journal notebook, I always start with the same questions: What's your budget? How often will you use it? What tools do you plan to write with?

Paper weight is crucial. I've tested notebooks ranging from 70gsm to 160gsm paper. Anything below 90gsm will likely show bleed-through with markers or fountain pens. The 120gsm in the LEUCHTTURM1917 strikes an excellent balance between performance and bulk.

Consider the grid style carefully. I prefer dot grids because they provide guidance without being visually overwhelming. Line spacing should be 5mm for optimal flexibility – I've used notebooks with 4mm spacing that felt cramped and 6mm that wasted too much space.

Page count matters more than you'd think. I fill about 25-30 pages per month with daily logs, weekly spreads, and monthly reviews. A 150-page notebook lasts me about five months, while 200+ pages can stretch to eight months of use.

Don't overlook binding quality. Perfect-bound (glued) notebooks often fall apart with heavy use. Thread-bound or stitched binding holds up much better over time. The lay-flat capability becomes essential when you're drawing spreads across two pages.

FAQ

How long does a bullet journal notebook typically last?

In my experience, it depends entirely on your usage style. I'm a heavy user who writes daily logs, weekly spreads, habit trackers, and monthly reviews. With this intensity, a 200-page notebook lasts me about 6-8 months. Light users who primarily do weekly planning might stretch the same notebook to a full year. I always recommend tracking your page usage for the first month to estimate your personal timeline.

Is expensive paper really worth it for bullet journaling?

After testing both budget and premium options extensively, I can say the paper quality makes a significant difference if you use varied writing tools. I've wasted entire spreads in cheap notebooks when markers bled through to the other side. The 120gsm paper in premium notebooks like the LEUCHTTURM1917 completely eliminates this problem. If you only use basic ballpoint pens, you might not notice the difference, but for mixed media use, quality paper is essential.

Should I start with a pre-formatted bullet journal or a blank dot grid notebook?

I actually started with blank notebooks and spent hours setting up indices, keys, and future logs. The pre-formatted approach saves substantial time and ensures you don't accidentally skip essential elements. However, some users prefer complete creative control over their layout. If you're new to bullet journaling, I'd recommend starting with a pre-formatted option to learn the system, then deciding if you want full customization for your next notebook.

What's the ideal page size for bullet journaling?

I've tested everything from pocket-sized to full letter size notebooks. The A5 format (roughly 5.8″ x 8.3″) hits the sweet spot for most users. It's large enough for detailed spreads and multiple daily entries but still portable for daily carry. Smaller sizes become cramped quickly, while larger formats become unwieldy for mobile use. The A5 size of the LEUCHTTURM1917 fits perfectly in most bags while providing ample writing space.

How do I prevent ink from bleeding through pages?

Paper quality is your first line of defense – anything below 90gsm will likely show bleed-through with markers or gel pens. I always test new pens on the last page of a notebook before using them throughout. Additionally, consider the ink type: water-based markers are generally safer than alcohol-based ones. When I want to use heavy markers, I sometimes sacrifice the back of a page by only writing on one side, especially for decorative elements.

Final Verdict

After four months of intensive testing, the LEUCHTTURM1917 Official Bullet Journal Edition 2 has become my go-to recommendation for anyone serious about bullet journaling. Yes, it's pricier than generic alternatives, but the combination of exceptional paper quality, thoughtful design features, and built-in bullet journal elements justify the cost.

The 120gsm paper alone makes this worth considering – I haven't experienced any bleed-through or ghosting, even with my heaviest markers. The pre-formatted sections eliminated the setup frustration I experienced with blank notebooks, and the additional features like grid markers and larger margins actually improve my daily workflow.

If you're budget-conscious or just testing whether bullet journaling works for you, you might want to start with a less expensive option. But if you're ready to commit to the system and want a notebook that'll handle whatever creative elements you throw at it, this LEUCHTTURM1917 edition delivers on its promises.

The 4.7-star rating from over 1,700 users isn't just hype – it reflects a product that consistently meets the specific needs of bullet journal enthusiasts. After testing dozens of notebooks over the years, this one earns its place as a premium option that actually delivers premium performance.