notepads

Notepads are small to medium-sized stacks of paper bound along one edge and intended for writing notes, lists, or drafts. They differ from notebooks primarily in their binding and intended use: notepads are usually glue-bound, perforated, or spiral-bound so individual sheets can be removed, whereas notebooks are typically bound along a continuous spine. Some notepads include an adhesive strip on the top sheet, enabling temporary sticking to surfaces; these are commonly known as sticky notes.

Notepads come in a variety of formats. Common sizes range from pocket or palm-sized notes to A5, A6, and letter or A4 formats. Pages can be ruled, blank, or grid/dot-patterned. Covers may be lightweight cardboard, more substantial cardstock, or soft or hard covers. Perforated sheets allow clean tearing, and some pads are designed for single-use notes.

Materials and construction vary. Inner pages typically use around 70-90 g/m2 paper, with higher weights found in premium pads. Recycled content is common in many products. Bindings include glue binding along the side or top edge, spiral or wire binding, and, less commonly, thread binding. Some pads use a peel-away backing or remain as a flat stack of sheets.

Uses and availability. Notepads are used for quick notes, task lists, brainstorming, and on-the-go writing. Sticky notes serve as reminders or document annotations. In offices and schools, notepads provide inexpensive, portable writing tools, while specialty pads emphasize durability, design, or archival qualities.