Graph Paper Printable

Set the square size, line color and darker major lines, then print the grid or download it as a PDF for Letter or A4.

Paper
Page
Style

Print at “Actual size” or 100% scale so the spacing comes out exactly as set. Everything is made in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

Ready-made Graph paper PDFs

Just need one sheet? Download a finished template in Letter or A4.

1/4 inch grid printable, 4 squares per inch 1/4 inch grid 4 squares per inch Letter PDF A4 PDF
1/5 inch grid printable, 5 squares per inch 1/5 inch grid 5 squares per inch Letter PDF A4 PDF
5 mm grid printable, metric, darker every 10 mm 5 mm grid Metric, darker every 10 mm Letter PDF A4 PDF
1 cm grid printable, large squares for young students 1 cm grid Large squares for young students Letter PDF A4 PDF

How to make Graph paper

  1. Choose a square size Pick 1/4 inch, 1/5 inch, 1/8 inch, 5 mm, 1 cm or enter any size in millimeters.
  2. Add major lines Optionally make every 2nd, 4th, 5th or 10th line darker so squares are easy to count.
  3. Style the page Choose paper size, orientation, line color and weight, plus a name or title header.
  4. Print or download Download a multi-page PDF or a PNG, or print directly from the browser.

Common graph paper sizes

Graph paper is described either by the size of one square or by how many squares fit in an inch. The grid is centered on the page and only whole squares are drawn, so every square is exactly the size you chose.

GridSquares per inchGood for
1/4 inch4US school math, plotting graphs, floor plans at 1/4 in = 1 ft
1/5 inch5Engineering and science work, data plots
1/8 inch8Detailed drawings, small charts, knitting and cross-stitch charts
1/10 inch10Precise plotting and decimal scales
5 mmabout 5Standard metric squared paper in Europe and Asia
1 cmabout 2.5Young students, area and multiplication models, large diagrams

Major lines make counting easier

Many graph pads print every fifth or tenth line a little darker. On 5 mm paper a darker line every two squares marks whole centimeters; on 1/4 inch paper a darker line every four squares marks whole inches. Use the “Darker line every” setting to get the same effect.

What people use graph paper for

  • Math: plotting functions, coordinate geometry, keeping columns of numbers aligned in long multiplication and division.
  • Design: room layouts, garden beds, furniture plans and woodworking sketches drawn to scale.
  • Crafts: charting knitting, crochet and cross-stitch patterns, quilt blocks and pixel art.
  • Games: dungeon maps for tabletop role-playing games and level layouts.

Getting an accurate print

Print with the scale set to Actual size or 100%. “Fit to page” shrinks the grid slightly, so a 1/4 inch square comes out smaller. Turn on the ruler check mark to print a 1 inch (or 20 mm) reference line at the bottom of the sheet, and measure it after printing.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What size is standard graph paper?

In the United States the most common school graph paper has 1/4 inch squares, four per inch. In most other countries 5 mm squares are standard.

How many squares are on a sheet of 1/4 inch graph paper?

With an 8 mm margin, a Letter sheet fits 31 by 41 squares of 1/4 inch. Reduce the margin to fit a few more.

Can I make graph paper with a custom square size?

Yes. Choose “Custom (mm)” under Square size and enter any size from 1 to 50 millimeters.

Why do my printed squares measure slightly small?

The printer is scaling the page to fit. Set scale to 100% or “Actual size” in the print dialog.

Can I print graph paper with darker lines every inch?

Yes. Choose 1/4 inch squares and set “Darker line every” to 4 squares.

Guides

More printable paper