VerdictAI
#4 in Best Bullet Journal Supplies

PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook, (Black), 160 Pages, Medium 5.6 in x 8 in - 100 GSM Thick Paper – Hardcover Journaling Notebook…

PAPERAGE

Best for

Best budget

Amazon rating

★★★★★4.7(64,921)

Amazon aggregate, one input among many in the Verdict Score

Verdict scoreGreat
85/ 100

Based on 3 trusted sources

Current price

$9.99

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Updated May 19, 2026 · 1 min read

PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook, (Black), 160 Pages, Medium 5.6 in x 8 in - 100 GSM Thick Paper – Hardcover Journaling Notebook…

Sources behind this verdict

10 reviewers weighted by source trust

Methodology →

The consensus

What reviewers found

Synthesized across the trust-weighted source mix below.

Across the reviewers we read, PAPERAGE is the budget dotted notebook that specialist communities point newcomers toward when they don't want to spend Leuchtturm money. An r/bulletjournal thread explicitly recommends it as a sub-$12 dot grid option with multiple color choices, and r/bujo discussions corroborate the value framing. The Amazon base — close to 65,000 reviews at 4.7 stars — is unusually large for a budget notebook in this category and provides meaningful real-world signal even after discounting for the gameability of retailer ratings.

What reviewers liked

  • r/bulletjournal and r/bujo recommend it as a budget gateway dotted notebook
  • Vegan leather hardcover with elastic closure at sub-$12
  • Wide color selection unusual at this price tier
  • Handles fine-nib fountain pens and highlighters per r/notebooks comparison

Where it falls short

  • r/notebooks comparison thread says paper feels lighter than the listed 100 gsm
  • r/fountainpens reviewers note darker, more visually intrusive dots than premium brands
  • Fewer pages (160) than chunky budget alternatives like CAGIE or OFFIGIFT
  • Some reviewers in subreddit threads see ghosting with heavier markers

Across the reviews

Synthesis · not our verdict

Across the reviewers we read, PAPERAGE is the budget dotted notebook that specialist communities point newcomers toward when they don't want to spend Leuchtturm money. An r/bulletjournal thread explicitly recommends it as a sub-$12 dot grid option with multiple color choices, and r/bujo discussions corroborate the value framing. The Amazon base — close to 65,000 reviews at 4.7 stars — is unusually large for a budget notebook in this category and provides meaningful real-world signal even after discounting for the gameability of retailer ratings.

The honest caveats come from the more demanding users. An r/notebooks comparison thread directly between Leuchtturm1917, PAPERAGE, and EMSHOI notes the paper "feels lighter" than its listed 100 gsm, while still handling fine-nib fountain pens and highlighters. An r/fountainpens thread flags that the dots are "on the darker side compared to other brands" — that's a positive or negative depending on whether you find Leuchtturm's lighter dots too faint.

The consensus shape: not the absolute best paper in the category, but a legitimately good notebook at roughly a third of the price of premium hardcovers, with a vegan-leather cover, elastic closure, and color options that punch well above the price tier.

Key specs

Source: Amazon listing
Best-Selling Hardcover Journal
This classic 5.6" x 8" bullet-style journal features a durable & water-resistant vegan leather cover, rounded corners, 160 pages, inner expandable pocket, sticker labels, ribbon bookmark & elastic closure band.
Premium Paper
Made with high-quality, 100 gsm acid-free paper in light ivory color, our journal paper is thicker than average notebooks & note pads, so you can confidently use most pens, pencils, and markers without ghosting and bleed-through.
Lay Flat Design For Writing Ease
Our thread-bound dotted notebook is designed to lay flat, making it easier to write for both right and left-handed users. Artistic bullet journaling, note taking, and drawing has never been more convenient.
Inner Pocket
Includes an expandable inner storage pocket to store appointment cards, notes, receipts, and more. Personalize your journal cover & spine with the sheet of sticker labels included.
Versatile Dotted Notebook
Ideal for bullet-style journaling & creative planning. Whether you're drawing, designing a monthly spread, or crafting a beautiful junk journal, the dot grid pages are perfect to help you personalize your layout.
Vibrant & Bold Colors
Our journals are designed in a variety of beautiful & fun colors in a selection of four page styles — Lined (note-taking, journaling), Blank (sketching), Dotted (bullet journaling), and Grid (graphing).

What customers say

2 verified voices
... (Black), 160 Pages, Medium 5.7 inches x 8 inches - 100 gsm Thick Paper, Hardcover. Lots of colors, and between $10-$12 USD. Kiri-Devil. • 4y ago.
Supportingvia r/bulletjournal
The Paperage I have lists the paper as 100 gsm but it feels lighter. It took my fine nib fountain pens and highlighters just fine though. The ...
Trustedvia r/notebooks

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Video review

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PAPERAGE Dotted Journal Notebook | POV | Would you buy it?” · YouTube

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