Graph paper basics

Graph Paper Grid Spacing Guide

The confusing part of graph paper is that people mix metric and inch names. 1/4 inch is the same as 6.35mm. 1cm is the same as 10mm. This guide shows what those sizes mean and which one to print.

I just need normal graph paper for school.

Start with 5mm on A4 paper or 1/4 inch on US Letter paper.

I am printing for younger students.

Use 1cm or 1/2 inch spacing so the squares are easier to count and write around.

I use inch rulers or US worksheets.

Use 1/4 inch graph paper. It is the same as 6.35mm spacing.

I need detailed technical sketches.

Use 5mm for a balanced page, or 2mm if the work needs fine detail.

The main conversions

These are the conversions that cause most confusion. If you know these three, most printable graph paper names start to make sense.

1/4 inch graph paper: 1/4 inch = 6.35mm
1cm graph paper: 1cm = 10mm
1/2 inch graph paper: 1/2 inch = 12.7mm

Metric examples use the same physical sample size. Quarter-inch uses an exact 2 inch sample so every square is complete.

Common grid spacings

Use this table when a template name includes a number that does not feel familiar. The metric and inch names may describe the same grid.

Common name	Metric spacing	Inch spacing	Best for	Watch out for
2mm	2mm	0.079 in	Fine technical work, small diagrams, dense plotting	Too small for most classroom worksheets and large handwriting
5mm	5mm	0.197 in	Most math homework, notes, diagrams, A4 graph paper	Can feel small for younger students
1/4 inch	6.35mm	0.25 in	US Letter graph paper, inch rulers, quad paper, drafting practice	Does not line up cleanly with metric rulers
1cm	10mm	0.394 in	Younger students, area and perimeter, large diagrams	Fewer squares fit on one page
1/2 inch	12.7mm	0.5 in	Large handwriting, early learners, visible classroom examples	Too large for detailed plotting
1 inch	25.4mm	1 in	Demonstrations, large craft layouts, simple counting grids	Very few squares fit on normal paper

Metric paper

If your ruler, assignment, or classroom uses millimeters and centimeters, use 5mm or 1cm graph paper. These spacings line up cleanly with metric rulers.

A4 5mm A4 1cm

Inch paper

If your ruler or worksheet uses inches, use 1/4 inch graph paper. It is especially common for US Letter paper and is the same as 6.35mm spacing.

Letter 1/4 inch Read guide

Custom spacing

If none of the common sizes match your project, use the generator to set paper size, spacing, line color, margins, and export format.

Open generator Browse PDFs

Spacing FAQ

Is 1/4 inch the same as 6.35mm?

Yes. One inch is 25.4mm, so one quarter of an inch is 6.35mm.

Is 1cm the same as 10mm?

Yes. 1cm graph paper and 10mm graph paper describe the same square size.

Which spacing should I print first?

Use 5mm for most metric graph paper. Use 1/4 inch for US Letter graph paper. Use 1cm when you need larger, easier-to-count squares.