Choose A5 for a roomy main or desk planner; choose JOYJOY Personal for a narrower planner that is easier to carry. JoyJoy A5 basic inserts measure 148 × 210 mm, while JOYJOY Personal inserts measure 95 × 170 mm. Both use six holes, but their center gaps differ, so the pages are not interchangeable.
A5 vs A6 paper size: the quick distinction
For ISO paper, A5 is 148 × 210 mm and A6 is 105 × 148 mm: A5 has twice the page area. For a ring planner, compare the actual refill system as well. JOYJOY Personal inserts are 95 × 170 mm and use a different six-hole pattern from A5. Covers labeled A6 may fit Personal-format pages; verify the listing before ordering.
| Decision factor | JoyJoy A5 | JOYJOY Personal |
|---|---|---|
| Basic insert size | 148 × 210 mm / 5.83 × 8.27 in | 95 × 170 mm / 3.74 × 6.69 in |
| Hole pattern | 6 holes; 19–19–70–19–19 mm | 6 holes; 19–19–50–19–19 mm |
| Current Soft Palette cover example | Approx. 233 × 182 mm closed | Approx. 190 × 120 mm closed |
| Best for | Weekly layouts, longer notes, projects and desk planning | Everyday carry, budgeting, receipts and focused page sets |
| Main limitation | Bulkier once filled | Less writing room for long-form planning |
Choose A5 if writing space comes first
A5 is easier to use for fuller weekly spreads, projects, longer lists and sections that need room to grow.
- Better for larger handwriting
- Better for several planning areas in one binder
- Best when the planner usually lives on a desk
Choose Personal if portability comes first
Personal works best when every page has a focused job, such as spending, receipts, routines or short notes.
- Easier to carry in more bags
- Useful for budget and life-admin sections
- Best for concise layouts rather than long notes
Use three real-life tests before choosing
Bag test
If you expect to carry it several days a week, Personal is usually easier unless you already use a large tote.
Desk test
If it will stay open beside a laptop or notebook, A5 gives tasks and notes more breathing room.
Page test
Write one real weekly list on paper. Choose A5 if it needs space; choose Personal if it is mostly short reminders and categories.
Can A5 and Personal work together?
Yes—when each has a different job. A practical pairing is an A5 home base for weekly planning and longer notes, plus an Personal carry or budget binder for receipts, spending records and quick lists. Buying both as duplicate all-purpose planners usually creates more maintenance, not more clarity.
Build the right planner system
Choose the cover first, then add inserts and accessories made for that exact ring format.
Two current cover examples
Baby Pink A5 Soft Palette Cover
Approx. 233 × 182 mm closed. A roomier cover for desk planning and longer notes. This legacy listing specifies 142 × 212 mm refills; compare the listed fit before choosing standard 148 × 210 mm pages. Cover only.
$24.99
Shop A5 cover
Baby Pink Personal Soft Palette Cover
Approx. 190 × 120 mm closed. A narrower cover for focused planning and everyday carry. Cover only.
$19.99
Shop Personal coverIf budgeting is your main goal, compare the A5 vs A6 vs A7 budget binder guide. For every JoyJoy format in one place, use the planner size guide. If you are new to removable pages, read what planner inserts are.
Turn the size choice into a complete setup
Choose one cover, one 25-sheet basic writing pack and one matching accessory in the guided Starter Bundle builder. Save 15% automatically on all three, or compare cover sizes first.
A5 vs Personal Planner FAQ
Which is bigger, A5 or Personal?
A5 is larger. JoyJoy A5 basic inserts measure 148 × 210 mm, while JOYJOY Personal inserts measure 95 × 170 mm.
Is Personal the same as ISO A6?
No. ISO A6 paper measures 105 × 148 mm. JOYJOY Personal inserts measure 95 × 170 mm, so they are narrower and taller.
Will A5 paper fit an Personal binder?
No. The page dimensions and six-hole center gaps differ. Use inserts made for the exact binder format and confirm the full measurements before mixing brands.
Why is the cover measurement larger than the insert?
A cover needs extra space for the ring mechanism, page turning, interior pockets and closure. Use the insert measurement and full hole pattern—not the outside cover size—to judge refill compatibility.
Is Personal the same as A6 Standard?
No. JOYJOY Personal inserts measure 95 × 170 mm. A6 Standard / ISO A6 paper measures 105 × 148 mm. Treat them as separate sizes and check the full hole pattern before ordering.
Are all JoyJoy A5 or Personal covers exactly the same outside size?
No. Soft Palette and other cover styles can have different outside dimensions. The table uses current Soft Palette examples; check the exact product page for the cover you want.
Which size is better for budget planning?
Choose Personal for a compact, focused budget or receipt system. Choose A5 when you want larger worksheets, fuller monthly reviews and more writing space.
Is A5 too large to carry?
Not always. A slim A5 can travel in a larger bag, but a filled A5 is usually more comfortable as a desk or home planner. Personal is easier for frequent carry.