Printable graph paper
Free printable graph paper: pick a square size from 1 mm to 1/2 inch, add bold major lines if you like, and download an exact-size grid paper PDF for Letter, A4 or Legal.
Set the grid below. The grid is centred on the page so every edge is a complete square.
Paper generator
How to make graph paper
- Choose the square size. Pick 1, 2, 5 or 10 mm squares, or 1/8, 1/5, 1/4 or 1/2 inch squares. Use Custom for any other size.
- Add major lines. Optionally draw a bold line every 4, 5 or 10 squares, which makes counting and plotting much easier.
- Set paper and style. Choose Letter, A4 or Legal, orientation and margin, then pick a line colour and weight.
- Download or print. Download the graph paper PDF or print it at 100% scale so every square is exactly the size you chose.
Square sizes
| Square | Millimetres | Squares on Letter* | Squares on A4* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | 1 mm | 195 × 259 | 190 × 277 |
| 2 mm | 2 mm | 97 × 129 | 95 × 138 |
| 5 mm | 5 mm | 39 × 51 | 38 × 55 |
| 10 mm (1 cm) | 10 mm | 19 × 25 | 19 × 27 |
| 1/8 in | 3.175 mm | 61 × 81 | 59 × 87 |
| 1/5 in | 5.08 mm | 38 × 51 | 37 × 54 |
| 1/4 in | 6.35 mm | 30 × 40 | 29 × 43 |
| 1/2 in | 12.7 mm | 15 × 20 | 14 × 21 |
* Whole squares across × down, portrait, with 10 mm margins. The grid is centred so all four edges are closed.
Popular graph paper uses
- Maths and science: 5 mm or 1/4 in with bold lines every 5 or 4 squares for plotting functions.
- Engineering: 1/5 in squares with bold inch lines (every 5).
- Pixel art, knitting and cross-stitch charts: 5 mm or 1/4 in squares.
- Floor plans: 1/4 in squares, where one square equals one foot.
- Fine technical drawing: 1 mm or 2 mm grid with major lines every 10.
Prefer something lighter? Dot grid paper keeps the structure without the lines, and isometric paper is made for 3D sketches.
Frequently asked questions
What size squares does graph paper have?
The most common sizes are 1/4 inch (4 squares per inch, also called quad ruled) and 5 mm. Engineering paper often uses 1/5 inch, and 1 mm or 2 mm grids are used for precise technical drawing.
What is the difference between graph paper and grid paper?
They are the same thing: paper printed with a grid of squares. Graph paper is the usual name in maths; grid paper or squared paper is more common for crafts and design.
How do I print graph paper at the right size?
Download the PDF and print at 100% or Actual size. If the printer scales the page to fit, the squares come out slightly smaller. Measure ten squares with a ruler to check.
What are major lines on graph paper?
Major lines are thicker lines every few squares, for example every 5 or 10. They make it easier to count squares, read coordinates and draw charts.
Can I make graph paper in inches and millimetres?
Yes. Choose metric squares (1, 2, 5, 10 mm) or imperial squares (1/8, 1/5, 1/4, 1/2 inch), and switch the margin units between mm and inches.
Is the printable graph paper free?
Yes. All graph paper PDFs are free with no sign-up and no watermark.