Nib & NotchPens judged notch by notch
Rhodia Dot Pad (No. 16, A5)Paper & Pads

Rhodia

Rhodia Dot Pad (No. 16, A5)

The Rhodia Dot Pad is a reliable, affordable choice for fountain pen users and calligraphers who want smooth, ink-friendly paper without committing to a bound notebook.

4.5
Notch score9/10 notches
  • Fountain pen friendly paper
  • Light dot grid guide
  • Clean perforated tear-out
Paper Weight
80 gsm
Sheet Size
A5 (14.8 x 21 cm)
Grid Type
5x5mm dot grid
Check price on AliExpress

Affiliate link: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

01Verdict

The Rhodia Dot Pad is a reliable, affordable choice for fountain pen users and calligraphers who want smooth, ink-friendly paper without committing to a bound notebook. Its light dot grid, clean tear-out sheets, and rigid backing make it a versatile everyday writing companion, though those working with very wet or broad nibs may want to test ink combinations first due to occasional ghosting.

4.5Rhodia Dot Pad (No. 16, A5)Paper & Pads · 9/10 notches

02Specs & build

Paper Weight80 gsm
Sheet SizeA5 (14.8 x 21 cm)
Grid Type5x5mm dot grid
Sheet Count80 sheets
BindingStapled, micro-perforated

Build notes

  • Fine 5x5mm dot grid printed in light purple ink for unobtrusive guidance
  • Smooth 80gsm vellum-finish paper optimized for fountain pen ink
  • Micro-perforated sheets for clean, easy tear-out
  • Orange laminated cardboard backing offers rigid writing support
  • Stapled binding lies flat and stays secure while writing

03Pros & cons

What we liked

  • Handles wet fountain pen nibs with minimal feathering or bleed-through
  • Dot grid is faint enough to disappear once ink is on the page
  • Sturdy backing means no need for an extra desk surface or clipboard
  • Perforated pages tear out cleanly for scanning or sharing
  • Great for both everyday writing and light calligraphy practice

What could be better

  • 80gsm paper can show slight ghosting with very broad or flex nibs
  • Dot grid may be too light for users who want stronger visual guides
  • Pages are on the smaller A5 side for larger calligraphy projects
  • Orange cover, while iconic, adds no extra protection to the pad itself

04Full review

The Rhodia dot pad brings the brand's legendary paper quality to a format that's become essential for modern calligraphers and lettering artists who want structure without the rigidity of solid lines. Each sheet features a subtle grid of dots spaced precisely apart, giving practitioners the guidance needed for consistent letter height, spacing, and baseline alignment while keeping the page visually clean for finished pieces. The iconic orange cover signals what's inside: that famous Clairefontaine-milled paper Rhodia is known for, optimized for wet media and fine nib work.

What makes this pad particularly suited to fountain pen and calligraphy use is the exceptional smoothness of the paper surface combined with its resistance to feathering and bleed-through. At 80gsm, the paper is substantial enough to handle flex pens, brush pens, and traditional dip pens loaded with ink, yet the pad remains slim and portable for practice sessions anywhere. The dots themselves are printed light enough to fade into the background of a finished calligraphy piece, meaning artists can use them purely as a scaffolding for practice or incorporate the grid into planning layouts for envelopes, quotes, and other lettering projects without the dots becoming a visual distraction in scanned or photographed work.

The pad's construction includes a micro-perforated tear-off design, so individual sheets release cleanly without the ragged edges common in cheaper notebooks, making it easy to isolate finished practice sheets or pass along worksheets to students. The sturdy cardboard backing provides a firm writing surface even without a table beneath it, a small but appreciated detail for calligraphers who like to practice on the go or in classes. Combined with its reputation for ink compatibility across a huge range of fountain pen and calligraphy ink formulas, the Rhodia dot pad has earned its place as a staple tool for anyone serious about refining letterforms, testing new nibs, or simply enjoying the tactile pleasure of pen meeting paper.

05Owner notes

Short notes from owners, lightly edited for length.

My go-to practice pad

I use this for daily pointed pen practice and the paper handles ink beautifully. The dot grid keeps my letters consistent without being distracting.

TPto practice pad — Marcus T.

Great paper, minor ghosting

Smooth surface and my fountain pens glide effortlessly. With a really wet nib I do get some ghosting on the back, but nothing that ruins the page.

ERElena R.

Perfect for lettering warmups

The perforated sheets make it easy to test different pens and toss the page if I mess up. Backing board makes writing on my lap comfortable too.

DKDevon K.

Solid everyday pad

Not fancy, just consistently good paper. I wish the dots were a touch bolder for beginners, but overall very dependable for ink work.

PSPriya S.