Notepad sizes: standard notepad dimensions and sheet counts

The most common notepad size is 4.25 x 5.5 inches, a quarter of a letter-size sheet. Other popular sizes are 3.5 x 8.5 inch list pads, 5.5 x 8.5 inch half-letter pads and full 8.5 x 11 inch pads. This guide lists standard notepad sizes, sheet counts and paper, with tips for designing a branded pad.

Standard notepad sizes

• 3.5 x 8.5 in: a narrow list pad for shopping lists, to-do lists and fridge pads.
• 4 x 6 in: a small desk pad for phone messages and quick notes.
• 4.25 x 5.5 in: the most common memo pad size. Four pads come from one letter-size sheet.
• 5 x 7 in: a mid-size pad with room for a header and several lines.
• 5.5 x 8.5 in: a half-letter pad for longer notes, order forms and checklists.
• 8.5 x 11 in: a full-size pad for meeting notes, intake forms and order pads.
• Legal pad, 8.5 x 14 in: the classic long yellow pad, and its junior size of about 5 x 8 in.

Sheets per pad

Notepads are usually made with 25, 50 or 100 sheets. 50 sheets is the most popular choice for promotional pads, because it is thick enough to last for weeks without making the pad bulky or expensive. 25 sheet pads suit giveaways and event bags. 100 sheet pads suit offices, order pads and hotel rooms.

Paper and padding

Notepad pages are usually printed on 60 lb or 70 lb uncoated text, which writes smoothly with pen or pencil. The stack is glued along the top or side edge with padding compound, and a chipboard back keeps the pad stiff so it can be used without a desk.

We print notepads on recycled text with a recycled chipboard back, so the whole pad can go into paper recycling after use. Our guide to coated vs uncoated paper explains why uncoated paper is best for writing.

Designing a notepad

• Put the logo and contact details in a band at the top or bottom of the sheet, and leave most of the page open for writing.
• Keep artwork at least 0.25 in from the glued edge, because the padding compound covers a small strip.
• Add 0.125 in of bleed if color runs to the edge of the sheet.
• Light lines, a checklist or a form layout make the pad more useful. Keep them in a light tint so handwriting stands out.
• Use colors that read well in pencil and pen, and avoid dark backgrounds where people need to write.

Who orders custom notepads

Realtors, insurance agents, contractors and financial advisors use branded pads as client gifts. Medical and dental offices use them for appointment notes. Hotels use them in guest rooms, and restaurants use them as order pads. Our guide to standard paper sizes lists the sheet sizes these pads are cut from.

To print a set, see our custom notepads. For bound books, see custom notebooks, and for matching stationery, see letterhead and envelopes.

Common questions

What is the most common notepad size?

4.25 x 5.5 inches is the most common notepad size, a quarter of a letter-size sheet.

How many sheets are in a notepad?

Most notepads have 25, 50 or 100 sheets. 50 sheets is the most common choice.

What size is a list pad?

A list pad is usually 3.5 x 8.5 inches, a narrow shape that suits shopping and to-do lists.

What paper is best for notepads?

Uncoated 60 lb or 70 lb text, which takes pen and pencil without smudging.