Planner Size Chart: M5, A7/Pocket, Personal, A6 & A5

Compare planner page sizes and ring systems

A5 paper is 148 × 210 mm, ISO A6 is 105 × 148 mm, and Personal is a separate, narrower format. JOYJOY Personal inserts measure 95 × 170 mm; JOYJOY A7 uses 80 × 120 mm six-hole Pocket-format pages, while M5 uses 67 × 105 mm five-hole pages. ISO A7 paper is 74 × 105 mm and is not the same as JOYJOY A7.

Choose JOYJOY A7 for quick carry notes, Personal for a narrow everyday planner, or A5 for more writing space. A binder sold as A6 may use a product-specific refill format rather than ISO A6 paper. Always check the exact page size, ring count, hole spacing and punched margin before mixing inserts and binders, because planner size names are not always used consistently across brands.

Quick Planner Size Chart

Shopping by size? Choose M5 inserts, A7 inserts, Personal inserts, or A5 inserts. For a cover sold as A6, use its stated refill measurements and full hole pattern; do not assume ISO A6 compatibility.

If you only remember one rule, use the measurement and hole pattern, not the size name, as the source of truth.

Planner page sizes shown at one scale. M5 and JoyJoy Pocket include ring-system notes because hole count and spacing affect compatibility. Last updated August 14, 2026.

What is planner size?

Planner size is the finished page size and binder system a planner uses. The name, such as A5, A6, A7, M5 or Pocket, is only useful when it is paired with the exact width, height, ring count and hole spacing.

Why Planner Size Names Can Be Confusing

Planner shopping involves two overlapping systems:

• Paper standards, including A5 and A6, have defined dimensions.
• Planner-brand sizes, including Pocket, Personal, Mini, Classic, and Compact, can vary between sellers.

Two products called Pocket may not use identical paper or hole spacing. A page may physically fit inside a cover but still fail to turn comfortably or line up with the rings.

When comparing planner inserts, check:

• finished page width and height;
• number of holes;
• distance between hole centers;
• space between the holes and the page edge;
• usable writing area after the punched margin.

If you are comparing small-format planners, the M5 vs A7 vs Pocket planner size comparison explains why M5, A7 and Pocket labels should not be treated as interchangeable. If you already need an exact six-ring Pocket fit check, use the A7 planner insert size guide.

Are A7 and Pocket the Same Planner Size?

No. A7 is an ISO paper size of 74 x 105 mm. Pocket is a planner-market size name, and different brands use it differently. JoyJoy Pocket inserts measure 80 x 120 mm, so they are slightly larger than ISO A7.

Pocket Planner Size

JoyJoy Pocket Planner Inserts measure 80 x 120 mm and use six holes.

Pocket works best as a companion for information you want close at hand:

• today's top priorities;
• quick tasks and reminders;
• a short workout log;
• spending notes;
• lists you need while away from your desk;
• ideas you do not want to lose.

Its strength is not fitting an entire life-management system onto one tiny page. Its strength is being easy to carry and quick to use.

Choose Pocket if:

• you want a planner that fits in a small bag;
• you usually write short notes or lists;
• you want a portable companion to a larger planner;
• a large blank page makes planning feel like work.

Pocket may feel too small if:

• you write large;
• you need an hourly schedule;
• you want long-form journaling;
• you prefer to see many projects and categories at once.

Personal vs ISO A6: check before buying refills

JOYJOY Personal inserts measure 95 × 170 mm. Some covers marketed as A6 fit Personal-format refills, but the label alone does not prove compatibility. Check each listing; ISO A6 is wider and shorter. For a focused comparison, read the A5 vs A6 and Personal planner fit guide.

ISO A6 Planner Size

A6 paper measures 105 x 148 mm. It sits between Pocket and A5: compact enough to carry regularly, but large enough for more comfortable daily and weekly layouts.

Choose A6 if:

• Pocket feels cramped but A5 feels bulky;
• you want a compact main planner rather than a quick-capture companion;
• you need moderate room for appointments, tasks, and notes.

A6 can be an excellent middle ground, but compatibility still depends on the binder and hole pattern, not only the paper dimensions.

A5 Planner Size

A5 paper measures 148 x 210 mm, half the size of A4 paper.

It gives you significantly more room for detailed planning and is one of the most flexible sizes for building a modular system with different inserts.

Choose A5 if:

• you want detailed weekly or daily planning;
• you use trackers, project pages, or longer notes;
• your planner mostly stays on a desk or travels in a larger bag;
• you want one main system for several areas of life.

A5 may feel too large if:

• you want to carry it everywhere;
• you only need a few short reminders;
• too much page space encourages you to over-plan.

Pocket vs A6 vs A5

There is no universally superior size. A planner that technically offers more space is not more useful if it stays at home when you need it.

Ready to Choose Your Planner?

Use the next step that matches where you are in the decision. These links lead to current JoyJoy shopping and compatibility pages, not another general article.

Five Questions to Help You Choose

1. Where will you use it?

If the planner needs to travel everywhere, test whether it fits your everyday bag. If it will mostly stay on your desk, prioritize writing comfort.

2. What will you write in it?

Short priorities and reminders need less room than time-blocking, journaling, or project planning.

3. How large is your handwriting?

Print or draw the page dimensions at full scale and write a sample list before buying.

4. Do you want one planner or a companion system?

Pocket can work beautifully as a companion for quick capture while A5 holds detailed plans and reference pages.

5. Will the inserts actually fit?

Confirm exact measurements and hole spacing. Similar names do not guarantee compatibility.

Try the Size Before You Buy

The simplest test is to make a full-scale paper sample:

• draw or print the exact page dimensions at 100% scale;
• trim the sample;
• write a realistic daily list;
• place it in your usual bag;
• compare how it feels at your desk and while standing.

This small test can tell you more than looking at size names online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pocket planner size the same as A7?

Not necessarily. A7 is a defined ISO paper size of 74 x 105 mm. Pocket is a planner-market name whose measurements can vary by brand. JoyJoy Pocket inserts measure 80 x 120 mm.

Is A5 too big to carry every day?

It depends on your bag and planning habits. A5 is comfortable for detailed writing, but Pocket or A6 may be easier if you use a small bag or plan while moving around.

What planner size is best for beginners?

Choose based on the simplest planning habit you want to maintain. Pocket is approachable for short lists, A6 offers a compact middle ground, and A5 gives beginners room to experiment with several layouts.

Can inserts from different planner brands be mixed?

Sometimes, but confirm page measurements, number of holes, and hole spacing first. A matching size name does not guarantee a matching punch pattern.

Should I use more than one planner size?

Only when each size has a clear job. For example, Pocket can hold quick notes and daily priorities while A5 holds detailed weekly plans, projects, and reference pages.

Ready to start building a system around the pages you will actually use? Explore JoyJoy planner inserts.