“Tally book size” sounds simple until you’re the one trying to write legibly with gloves on, stuff the book into a pocket, and keep it usable after a week of rain, grit, and truck dashboards.
This guide breaks down the most common field sizes, what fits where, and how to choose the right format for your crew.
The two core sizes most crews use
On most industrial and construction sites, tally books land in two practical categories:
Junior (pocket tally book)
-
Best when you need quick access, tight pocket carry, and fast notes.
-
Commonly used by utility crews, inspectors, and anyone moving constantly.
Standard
-
Best when you need more writing space for measurements, shift notes, and job details.
-
Commonly used by oilfield teams, foremen, and leads who document more per shift.
Official sizes we run most often
Here are the standard sizes we build around for field use:
-
Standard tally book dimensions: 3.5" wide x 8" high
-
Pocket tally book (junior) size: 3.5" wide x 6" high
Those dimensions are popular because they fit real work patterns: narrow enough for pockets, tall enough to write clearly without feeling cramped.
How to choose the right tally book size
Choose junior if you need:
-
A true pocket carry that stays out of the way
-
Quick notes while walking, climbing, or moving between assets
-
A book that’s easy to replace, standardize, and issue across a large crew
Choose standard if you need:
-
More room per line for measurements, sketches, or step-by-step notes
-
Fewer page flips during inspections or multi-step tasks
-
A format that works well for leads who document for the crew, not just themselves
Where “standard” can vary across suppliers
You’ll see slight differences across the market. For example, some all-weather “tally” formats use a 3.25" x 8" sheet size. That’s why it’s smart to standardize within your company: same size, same covers, same refills, same storage habits.
The fit test that settles it fast
If you want a quick, no-debate decision, run this mental checklist:
-
If it must live in a back pocket all day: junior wins.
-
If it must hold a full shift’s worth of notes without feeling cramped: standard wins.
-
If your team writes while standing, leaning on a tailgate, or mid-task: pick the size that gives the cleanest handwriting with the fewest pauses (usually standard).
One more factor people forget: covers and refills
Your tally book size also affects:
-
cover fit (too loose gets torn up fast)
-
refill availability
-
whether the book is more durable or easier to flip
Once you choose your size standard, everything gets easier: ordering, issuing, replacing, and keeping crews consistent.
To make ordering simple for your crews and supervisors, view our tally book sizes and choose the format that fits how your team actually works.
