Short answer
For pencil practice, a 60 lb (about 90 gsm) sketch paper is enough. For heavier shading, erasing or ink, choose 80 lb (about 120 gsm) or heavier. Pick 9 x 12 inches at home and A5 or smaller to carry outdoors. Spiral binding lies flat; a hardcover survives a backpack.
Paper weight in plain numbers
Sketchbook paper weights
| Weight | Feels like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 50 to 60 lb (about 75 to 90 gsm) | Thin sketch paper | Quick sketches, thumbnails, practice |
| 70 to 80 lb (about 105 to 120 gsm) | Drawing paper | Layered shading, erasing, light ink |
| 90 lb and up (about 150 gsm and up) | Heavy, card like | Ink, charcoal, mixed media, light washes |
Example: retailers list the Strathmore 400 Series sketch pad at 60 lb with a fine tooth (listing) and the 400 Series drawing pads at 80 lb, with a 100 lb version for heavier work (listing).
Sketchbook types
-
01Practice
Spiral sketch pad, 9 x 12 in
Best for: daily pencil practice at home
- Paper
- about 60 lb
- Binding
- spiral, lies flat
- Cheap per page
- Tear out pages to compare drawings
-
02Finished work
Drawing pad, 80 lb
Best for: longer drawings with heavy shading
- Paper
- 80 lb and up
- Tooth
- medium
- Takes repeated erasing
- Better for charcoal
-
03Outdoors
Hardcover pocket sketchbook
Best for: drawing on walks and trips
- Size
- A5 or smaller
- Cover
- hard, stiff backing
- No board needed
- Elastic keeps it shut
-
04Ink and wash
Mixed media sketchbook
Best for: pen, ink and light washes
- Paper
- heavy, smooth to medium
- Less bleed through
- Handles a little water
-
05Charcoal
Toned sketchbook
Best for: charcoal and white highlights
- Paper
- tan or gray
- Mid tone is already done
- Add white for highlights
Binding and format
- Spiral: lies flat, folds back on itself, pages tear out cleanly. The spiral can snag in a bag.
- Sewn hardcover: durable, opens into a wide spread for panoramas, harder to draw near the gutter.
- Glued pad: pages come off cleanly; best at a table.
- Landscape format: wider than tall, made for horizontal views.
Pair your paper with the right pencils: drawing pencils. Popular sketchbooks are in the feed on the home page.
Questions people ask
What paper weight is best for pencil drawing?
Around 60 lb (about 90 gsm) handles sketching. For layered shading and repeated erasing, 80 lb (about 120 gsm) and heavier holds up better. Retailers list Strathmore’s 400 Series sketch pad at 60 lb and its drawing pads at 80 lb.
What does paper tooth mean?
The texture of the surface. More tooth grabs more graphite or charcoal, so you can build darker layers. Smooth paper is better for fine ink lines and detail.
What size sketchbook should I get for landscapes?
A 9 x 12 inch pad for drawings at home and a pocket or A5 book for drawing outside and thumbnails. Landscape (wide) formats suit panoramic views.
Can I use a sketchbook for pen and ink?
Yes, if the paper is smooth and heavy enough not to feather or bleed through. Look for 100 gsm or heavier, or a book marked for mixed media.
Sources
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Product lines and listings change; check the details before you buy.