If you’ve ever stood in a stationery shop, staring at rows of gorgeous bullet journals (or “BuJo” for short), you’ve probably faced the classic dilemma:
Should you go for a 3mm dot grid or a 5mm dot grid?
It might sound like a small difference — just 2 millimeters — but when you actually start journaling, those tiny dots make a big impact on your writing, drawing, and overall BuJo experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about 3mm vs 5mm dot grid spacing so you can pick the best dot spacing for your style, your BuJo paper size, and your creative needs.
1. Understanding Dot Grid Spacing
Before we dive into the 3mm vs 5mm debate, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what “dot grid” means.
A dot grid is a page layout where faint dots are printed at regular intervals both horizontally and vertically. This creates an invisible grid that helps you write in straight lines, draw boxes, or create designs without the boldness of lined or graph paper.
The spacing (e.g., 3mm, 5mm) tells you the distance between each dot.
- 3mm dot grid → Dots are 3 millimeters apart.
- 5mm dot grid → Dots are 5 millimeters apart.
Sounds simple, right? But here’s where it gets interesting — that small change in spacing completely changes the look and feel of your bullet journal.
2. Why Dot Spacing Matters in a Bullet Journal
You might think, “It’s just dots. Does spacing really matter that much?”
The answer is a big, enthusiastic YES — and here’s why:
- Writing Comfort – Your handwriting size might fit better in one spacing than the other.
- Design Flexibility – The dot spacing can make or break how neatly your spreads turn out.
- Space Efficiency – Tighter spacing means more dots per page, which means more detail.
- Overall Aesthetic – The spacing influences whether your pages look clean, airy, or dense.
3. 3mm Dot Grid — The Detailed Artist’s Dream
Let’s talk about the 3mm dot grid first.
With dots placed just 3 millimeters apart, you get a tighter grid — perfect for those who love detail-oriented spreads.
Benefits of 3mm Dot Grid
- Perfect for Small Handwriting – If your letters are tiny and precise, 3mm keeps everything aligned without looking too spaced out.
- Great for Intricate Designs – Want to draw detailed doodles, charts, or habit trackers? More dots mean more control.
- More Space on the Page – Since the grid is denser, you can fit more text and graphics without the page feeling cramped.
Things to Consider
- Might Feel Crowded – If you write larger letters, you might feel restricted.
- More Dots = More Visual Clutter – Some people find dense dot patterns distracting.
Best For
- People with small handwriting
- Artists who make intricate spreads
- Minimalist layouts with precise alignments
4. 5mm Dot Grid — The Classic BuJo Choice
Now, the 5mm dot grid is the most common choice you’ll see in bullet journals. It’s basically the “default” spacing.
Benefits of 5mm Dot Grid
- Easy to Read & Write – The spacing works well for average-sized handwriting.
- Less Visual Noise – Fewer dots mean a cleaner, less busy background.
- Works with Most BuJo Templates – If you follow online BuJo spreads, most are designed for 5mm grids.
Things to Consider
- Less Detail Space – You won’t be able to fit as many tiny elements.
- More Page Flipping – Since each page fits fewer lines, you might fill your journal faster.
Best For
- People with medium to large handwriting
- Beginners who want a forgiving layout
- Anyone who follows BuJo tutorials online (since most use 5mm)
5. How Dot Spacing Affects Your BuJo Paper Size
Here’s where bujo paper size comes in. Your notebook size and your dot spacing work together to shape your journaling experience.
Let’s take two common sizes:
- A5 (148 x 210 mm) — Popular standard BuJo size
- B5 (176 x 250 mm) — Slightly larger, more space
In A5 Size:
- 3mm → Fits more rows and columns, great for compact layouts.
- 5mm → Fits fewer rows, better for bigger handwriting.
In B5 Size:
- 3mm → Feels luxurious for detailed spreads, lots of room to play.
- 5mm → Still roomy, but more airy and minimal.
Tip: If you love the compact precision of 3mm but also want breathing room, choose a larger notebook size like B5 or A4.
6. Writing Style & Handwriting Size
One of the biggest deciding factors between 3mm vs 5mm dot grid is your handwriting style.
- Small, neat handwriting? → 3mm will make your writing look crisp and organized.
- Bold or loopy handwriting? → 5mm will give your letters space to breathe.
- Mixed handwriting styles? → 5mm is more forgiving, while 3mm demands consistency.
7. Drawing, Doodling & Creative Spreads
If your bullet journal is less about daily to-do lists and more about artistic spreads, dot spacing is even more important.
- 3mm → Best for pixel-style art, tight grids, trackers, mandalas, and geometric designs.
- 5mm → Best for large lettering, banners, and airy designs.
Pro Tip: Some BuJo fans even keep two journals — one 3mm for design-heavy spreads and one 5mm for daily planning.
8. Which is the Best Dot Spacing for Beginners?
If you’re new to bullet journaling, I’d suggest starting with 5mm.
Why?
- Most BuJo tutorials, printables, and templates use 5mm grids.
- The spacing is comfortable for almost all handwriting sizes.
- It’s easier to make mistakes look less obvious.
Once you’re comfortable, you can experiment with 3mm if you want more precision and detail.
9. Durability & Eye Comfort
Another factor people overlook is eye comfort.
- 3mm: More dots = more ink on the page, which some find visually heavy after long writing sessions.
- 5mm: Easier on the eyes for extended journaling, especially if you write with darker pens.
If you tend to journal for hours at a time, 5mm might be easier to work with.
10. Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 3mm Dot Grid | 5mm Dot Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Dot Density | High — more dots per page | Lower — fewer dots per page |
| Best For | Small handwriting, detailed art | Medium/large handwriting, general use |
| Look & Feel | Dense, precise | Open, airy |
| Template Compatibility | Less common | Most common |
| Ease for Beginners | Moderate | High |
11. Final Thoughts — Choosing Your Perfect Spacing
At the end of the day, the best dot spacing comes down to your personal style.
- Pick 3mm if you value detail, precision, and compact layouts.
- Pick 5mm if you want versatility, ease, and a clean look.
And remember — no choice is final! Many BuJo enthusiasts switch between spacings depending on their mood, project, or journal size.
12. Quick Decision Checklist
Before buying your next bullet journal, ask yourself:
- Do I have small or large handwriting?
- Will I be making detailed spreads or simple layouts?
- Am I following BuJo templates online?
- Do I prefer my pages to feel spacious or dense?
- What is my preferred bujo paper size — A5, B5, or bigger?
Answer these, and your 3mm vs 5mm dot grid decision will be a lot easier.
13. My Personal Recommendation
I’ve tried both. My verdict?
I keep two journals:
- A 5mm dot grid A5 for daily planning and brain dumps.
- A 3mm dot grid B5 for mood trackers, detailed art, and design-heavy spreads.
It gives me the best of both worlds — clean pages for everyday use and super-detailed grids for creative fun.
Final Word: Whether you choose 3mm or 5mm, your bullet journal will still be your personal space for creativity, productivity, and reflection. The dots are just there to guide you — the real magic comes from you.
