Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal A5 Notebook Review: Official Price, Real Scenarios, and What to Buy

If you ended up on this page, you probably searched for “leuchtturm1917 bullet journal A5 notebook reviews” or “leuchtturm1917 medium A5 notebook official price.” Maybe you're comparing it to a western journal before committing. Maybe you clicked here by accident while looking for a cubic yard calculator, or trying to find the IP address on your printer. No judgement — search engines are weird.

Short answer: the Leuchtturm1917 A5 is a very good notebook. But “worth it” doesn't mean the same thing for everyone. I've spent years coordinating stationery orders for B2B clients, including way too many rush jobs where the wrong notebook size derailed an event. So let's talk about the situations where the Leuchtturm makes sense — and where it doesn't.

For context: I handle rush orders and branded stationery projects. In the last three years, I've managed 100+ rush orders with a 95% on-time delivery rate. That sounds good until you remember that the other 5% are the ones you remember. In March 2024, 36 hours before a client's board retreat, we had to source 30 notebooks from a local print shop because the customized order wouldn't arrive in time. That experience taught me more about what a notebook actually needs than any product claim.

The Right Notebook Depends on Your Situation

There is no universal “best notebook.” The Leuchtturm1917 Medium A5 is the right choice for some people and a waste of money for others. Here are the three scenarios I see most often:

• Scenario 1: You're starting a bullet journal and want the system to stick.
• Scenario 2: You need a dependable notebook for work notes, client meetings, and deadline stress.
• Scenario 3: You already have a note-taking system and just want a nice notebook.

Scenario 1: Bullet Journaling as a Real System

The Leuchtturm1917 is the classic bullet journal starter for a reason. It has numbered pages, an index, and a dot grid that's visible enough to guide you but light enough to ignore. If you're using the official bullet journal method, those features aren't nice-to-haves; they're the structure.

It's also the size most people mean when they say “A5 bullet journal.” The Medium A5 is not a pocket notebook. It's a working size — roughly 5.75 by 8.25 inches. It fits in most bags, but you won't forget you're carrying it.

Here's the part that goes against common advice: if you've never kept a journal for more than a month, don't start with the Leuchtturm. Grab a cheaper grid notebook first. The habit matters more than the paper. If you stick with it for three months, reward yourself with the Leuchtturm. You'll appreciate it more, and you won't feel guilty leaving a $25 notebook half-empty.

That's a weird thing for someone in the office-supply industry to say. But honestly, a wasted notebook is worse than a cheap notebook.

Scenario 2: Work Notes, Client Meetings, and Deadline Stress

If you need one notebook to hold meeting notes, project numbers, and client callbacks, the Leuchtturm A5 earns its price. Numbered pages let you say “turn to page 12” instead of flipping around. The index at the front means you can organize by project without tabs. The hardcover version lies flat, which matters more than most people think when you're writing at a crowded table.

As for the official price: according to the Leuchtturm1917 U.S. store (leuchtturm1917.us, accessed January 2025), the Medium A5 hardcover is around $24.95. I want to say it was exactly $24.95, but don't quote me on that — prices change and regional stores differ. Verify current pricing on the official site before ordering.

But don't treat it as indestructible. I once skipped a paper test because “it's the same pen we always use.” It wasn't. The ink bled through two pages. Since then, I test every pen on the back page first. The Leuchtturm handles normal use well, but no notebook handles every liquid ink without question.

A quick warning from a real mistake: I once ordered “medium notebooks” from a supplier and assumed we both meant A5. They sent B5. We discovered it when the boxes arrived and nothing fit the display holders. Now I write “A5” and the exact millimeter dimensions in every order. It sounds obvious, but under deadline pressure, obvious things get skipped.

And yes, I know some of you searched for “where to find IP address on printer” or “cubic yard calculator” and ended up here. That's not a bad detour. If you keep a project notebook, a Leuchtturm is a great place to write down that printer's IP address the next time you look it up. And if you're measuring concrete, the grid pages will keep your calculations in order — just write “cubic yard calculator” in the index so you can find it later.

Scenario 3: You Already Have a System — Maybe Skip It

This is the scenario where I tell you not to buy it. If your note-taking already lives in a digital tool and you're only considering the Leuchtturm because it looks nice on Instagram, save your money. I'm a big believer in efficiency — automation and digital workflows give real advantages. But some notes are faster by hand. The key is knowing which kind you need.

The Leuchtturm works best when you need a durable, offline place for things that don't fit into a spreadsheet. If you're buying it for the aesthetic, that's valid. But don't pretend it's a productivity upgrade. It's a notebook with good design.

How to Tell Which Situation You're In

If you're still on the fence, answer these three questions:

1. Will you write in it at least four times a week? If yes, the Leuchtturm is likely worth it. If no, start cheaper.
2. Do you need to reference old notes quickly? Then numbered pages and an index save real time. That's the Leuchtturm's strongest feature.
3. Are you replacing a digital system? If searchability and sharing matter, stay digital. If you just need to capture thoughts fast, paper works.

If you're comparing it to a generic western journal, the difference is in those structural details. A western journal might be fine for a casual diary. But if you rely on your notebook daily, the Leuchtturm's consistency is the point.

Should You Buy the Leuchtturm1917 A5?

My honest answer: if you're a planner user, a note-taking professional, or someone who already knows they love good notebooks, yes. The Medium A5 is a solid, functional notebook that won't fall apart by page 50. If you're just curious or you've never kept a notebook habit, buy something cheaper first.

I can only speak to my own area of experience — stationery procurement and last-minute event orders. If you're a watercolor artist or someone who needs ultra-thick paper, check the specs on the official Leuchtturm page first. This notebook is great, but it's not a magic solution. Your mileage may vary.

And if you arrived here looking for a cubic yard calculator or printer IP help, I hope you at least found an interesting detour. Maybe write down what you actually came for in a notebook. It might help next time.