Mini 5 Alternatives
Welcome back for part 5 of this series. If you haven’t read part 1, I’m sharing alternatives to the Plotter system. If you want the full explanation, I suggest you read that post. You can also review the A5, Bible and Narrow, and Mini alternatives.
This post was harder than expected. I thought it would be easy to find other Mini 5 sized binders. However, the majority of binders around Mini 5 size are 3-ring, not 5 ring. I was, though, able to find some alternatives.
I found that, despite Mini 5 binders and paper not being close to A8 size, , binders labeled A8 are the correct size. So, it’s likely that if you find a 5-ring A8 binder, it will be the right size. I’m including the paper size comparison again, even though we’ve learned by now that “international standard” sizes mean next to nothing in the binder world.
| Paper | B7 | A7 | Mini 5 | A8 Refill | A8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 125mm | 105mm | 105mm | 105mm | 74mm |
| Width | 88mm | 74mm | 62mm | 67mm | 52mm |
That said, let’s get into the Mini 5 alternatives.
Recap
Depending on what, specifically, interests you about the Plotter system, some of the options listed below may be of more interest to you than others. To help you figure out which, if any, to look into, I’ve included some specific information:
- Ring Size: Where available, I’ve included the ring size. I don’t know if the measurements are internal diameter or external diameter.
- Sheet Capacity: Where available, I’ve included the sheet capacity so you can get an idea of ring size if that measurement isn’t available. For reference, the Plotter binders have 0.4in/~10mm rings and hold ~ 80 sheets of paper.
- Compatibility: I’ve included what paper each alternative is compatible with — Plotter/standard 5-ring paper, standard 20-ring paper, etc. To determine likely compatibility with Plotter paper, I overlaid Plotter paper on the base paper in Photoshop. Both images are at their full millimeter footprint, so I can see if the holes line up. This isn’t a 100% guaranteed method, especially as I couldn’t find a perfect “top-down” view of every type of paper. However, it should be close enough to suit our purposes.
- Split Rings: Like the Mini binder, this size binder is too small to allow for split rings, so I’m leaving it out of the interests overview.
Mini 5 Plotter Specifications
Price: $99 – $129 USD
Binder Height: 4.7in (120mm)
Binder Width: 3.15in (80mm)
Binder Depth: 0.6in (15mm)
Ring Size: 0.4in (11mm)
Sheet Capacity: 80
Paper Size: 4.13in × 2.4in (105mm x 62mm)
Compatibility: Standard 6-ring paper
Plotter Mini 5-compatible paper is available in plain, 2mm grid, 5mm dot grid, and to do list memo pads; and a monthly diary layout.
Plotter Mini 5-compatible accessories include “project managers“, ruler pad, and lifters with either a penholder or elastic band.
Alternatives: ⇣ BetsyHandCraft | ⇣ Filofax | ⇣ Moterm | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ ThinkthankayMade | ⇣ A8
BestyHandCraft Mini Binders
Interests Overview
☑☒ Leather cover
? Small ring size
☑ ? Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
BetsyHandCraft has some adorable tweed binders and a leather binder. Only the leather binder has a ring size, which is almost double the diameter of Plotter rings. However, the rings in the tweed binder pictures look smaller, based on how they compare to the metal strip they connect to. I need to mention that, while the leather binder is the Mini 5 size, the tweed binders are the size of the Plotter Mini binder, but with 5 rings.
Because BetsyHandCraft does not offer paper, I used an image of the tweed notebook with paper in it for this overlay. The rings/holes align perfectly with Plotter Mini 5 paper holes, so you should be able to use Plotter Mini 5 paper in them. NOTE: The leather binder did not have an image with paper that I could use for a comparison, so I can’t say if it would be compatible with Plotter Mini 5 paper.
BetsyHandCraft does not have listings for paper or accessories. Compatible hole punches are available.
I only found BetsyHandCraft binders on their Etsy store. Interestingly, I found the leather binder on Amazon. The listing even has the same pictures. Make of that what you will.
Specifications
Price: $24.65 – $33.50 USD
Binder Height: 5.78in – 5.9in (122mm – 150mm)
Binder Width: 3.94in – 4.13in (88mm – 110mm)
Binder Depth: 1.18in (30mm)
Ring Size: 0.79in (20mm)
Sheet Capacity: Up to 150
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ BetsyHandCraft | ⇣ Filofax | ⇣ Moterm | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ ThinkthankayMade | ⇣ A8
Filofax Mini Organizers
Interests Overview
☑☒ Leather cover
☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
The Filofax Mini Organizer series has a slimmer profile than its larger counterparts, but is still thicker than the Plotter binders. Like other Filofax sizes, it comes in both genuine and faux leather covers in various colors. With the exception of Malden model, there is actually a savings over Plotter for this size.
Filofax Mini paper aligns perfectly with Plotter Mini 5 paper, so they should be interchangeable.
Brand-name paper is more limited in this size. Mini paper comes in dot grid and ruled (ruling height not specified), address book, finances, daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly layouts on white paper. Daily and weekly layouts are available on cotton cream paper, and there is a colorful ruled (ruling height not specified) pack.
Brand-name accessories include A-Z dividers, cotton cream and white paper dividers, and a snap in binder with ruler markings. Compatible hole punches are available.
Filofax organizers are, of course, available on their website, but a quick Google search revealed so many purchase locations — including some fountain pen stores — that I suggest running a search yourself to see if your favorite online shopping location has it.
Specifications
Price: $49.99 – $179.99 USD
Binder Height: 5.78in – 5.9in (120mm – 123mm)
Binder Width: 3.94in – 4.13in (95mm – 107mm)
Binder Depth: 0.98in (25mm – 37mm)
Ring Size: 0.59in (15mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ BetsyHandCraft | ⇡ Filofax | ⇣ Moterm | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ ThinkthankayMade | ⇣ A8
Moterm A8 Planners
Interests Overview
☑ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
While the Moterm binders aren’t as slim as the Plotter binders, they’re definitely slimmer than many other options I’ve found. What sets the Moterm binders apart is that you can remove the rings to use the binder as a wallet. You can also swap out the rings for other metal colors or diameters (19mm – 30mm) depending on the binder size.
Moterm A8 paper holes don’t align with Plotter Mini 5 paper holes. In case this is because of the photograph of the paper, I overlaid the Plotter Mini 5 paper on a Moterm A8 flyleaf. These did align perfectly, so I think it’s safe to say you can use the paper interchangeably.
Brand-name paper is available in grid and dot grid (ruling height not available).
Brand-name accessories are limited to a zippered pouch that doubles as a flyleaf (like Plotter’s lifters) and replacement rings in various colors and diameters. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found Moterm binders on the Moterm website, Etsy shop GlitterdCo, The Stationery Manor, and Amazon.
Specifications
Price: $15.99 – $16.50 USD
Binder Height: 5.12in (130mm)
Binder Width: 3.74in (95mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.59in (15mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Side note: Moterm has multiple other sizes as well.
Alternatives: ⇡ BetsyHandCraft | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Moterm | ⇣ Raymay | ⇣ ThinkthankayMade | ⇣ A8
Raymay Mini 5 Binders
Interests Overview
☑☒ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
In this case, Raymay checks all of the Plotter boxes. The rings are small — 11mm – 13mm — and the binder itself is fairly slender — 20mm – 30mm. The extra depth comes from the built-in pockets and pen holder, which I feel are good additions. There are both real and faux leather options, and there are quite a few colors. Even better, this size, like the A5, is pretty easy to find.
I darkened the Raymay paper for this comparison so that you can see the holes better. Raymay Mini 5 paper holes align perfectly with Plotter Mini 5 paper holes, so they should be interchangeable.
Brand-name paper is available in blank; 3mm grid; 5mm grid; 5mm dot grid (cross); 5mm ruled; monthly schedule; checklist; monthly, weekly, and daily schedule on pink tanto paper; ruled 6.5mm (tomoe river) 4mm dot grid on purple paper; and 6.5mm ruled on pink paper.. Raymay’s tanto paper “features a gentle, crepe-like texture, and it is made from a sturdy blend of fibers including cotton and flax.“
Brand-name accessories include snap-in rulers, a zippered pouch, sheet protectors, and dividers with top or side tabs. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found the Raymay Mini 5 binders and accessories on Amazon and Yoseka Stationery.
Specifications
Price: $23.09 – $96.21 USD
Binder Height: 4.72in (120mm)
Binder Width: 3.74in (95mm)
Binder Depth: 0.79in – 1.18in (20mm – 30mm)
Ring Size: 0.43in – 0.51in (11mm – 13mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ BetsyHandCraft | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Moterm | ⇡ Raymay | ⇣ ThinkthankayMade | ⇣ A8
ThinkthankayMade
Interests Overview
☑ Leather cover
☑ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
ThinkthankayMade offers one of the few binders that has the same ring size as Plotter! However, the leather is much thicker than the Plotter binders. You do, however, get a handmade binder with options for pockets — although pockets add a significant amount to the cost. You also have the option to add personalization and ring protectors.
ThinkthankayMade doesn’t have any images with paper, so I overlaid the Plotter Mini 5 paper on a ThinkthankayMade flyleaf. They holes line up perfectly, so ThinkthankayMade’s binders should have no problem accepting Plotter paper.
ThinkthankayMade doesn’t offer any paper goods, but they do have many printable layouts.
Brand-name accessories include a stick-on leather pen loop, small leather bookmarks, hole-punched leather bookmarks, and a folded and stitched flyleaf that forms a pocket. Compatible hole punches are available.
ThinkthankayMade products are only available on their website and their Etsy shop. The products are a bit less expensive on their website.
Specifications
Price: $32.80 – $127.50 USD
Binder Height: 4.72in – 4.96in (120mm – 126mm)
Binder Width: 3.78in – 4.72in (96mm – 120mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.43in – 0.79in (11mm – 20mm)
Sheet Capacity: Not Available
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ BetsyHandCraft | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Moterm | ⇡ Raymay | ⇡ ThinkthankayMade | ⇣ A8
Brandless A8 Binder
Interests Overview
☑ Leather cover
☒ Small ring size
☑ Plotter paper compatibility
Binder Details
These A8 binders don’t have a brand name. I found two listings on Amazon for this binder, but with different brands. The listings are for virtually identical binders, down to the photos used.
Because I can’t find paper listings for a brandless notebook, I used an image of the paper from one of the listings for this overlay. The holes align perfectly with Plotter Mini 5 paper holes, so you should be able to use Plotter Mini 5 paper in them.
Since there isn’t a brand, there aren’t any brand-name papers or accessories. Compatible hole punches are available.
I found this binder on Amazon sold by NatSumeBasics and Mogoostry.
Specifications
Price: $12.99 – $15.99 USD
Binder Height: 4.8in (122mm)
Binder Width: 3.54in (90mm)
Binder Depth: Not Available
Ring Size: 0.75in (19mm)
Sheet Capacity: 96 +
Compatibility: Appears to accept standard A7 6-hole paper
Alternatives: ⇡ BetsyHandCraft | ⇡ Filofax | ⇡ Moterm | ⇡ Raymay | ⇡ ThinkthankayMade | ⇡ A8
Five down, just one more to go! Come back tomorrow for part 6 on bonus binders.
What do you think of the Mini 5 alternatives? Do you think you might get any of these? Which of the Plotter sizes is your favorite? Are you eager to see the bonus options? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.
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