Graph Paper

There are several websites offering free, downloadable printable graph papers, some even allowing you to customize your own.

Why use a printable graphing paper?

Printable graph papers are better than graph papers you can buy from supply stores because of two reaons -- they are free, and they are customizable.

Sure, you have to pay for the ink you are using, but what's a few cents when you need graphing papers fast? Plus, printable graphing papers can be edited according to your preference. Change the sizes of the lines, add grids -- do whatever you need.

Types of graphing papers you can print (for free)

The standard printable graph paper can be easily downloaded from the internet for free. It comes in a variety of grid measurements from 10 x 10 to 50 x 70. It also has a variety of square dimensions that come in small, medium, and large.

Meanwhile, customizable printable graph papers have adjustable lines that you can resize according to your preference. They can also be downloaded for free, but fewer sites offer this option.

The shape is everything

When looking for graph papers online, the best way is to look at the graph shapes. If you are looking to use it for triangle point embroidery or logarithmic graphs, choose a graph paper equipped with concentric circles, triangles, or hexagons instead of traditional grids.

Graphing papers especially for teachers

If you are a teacher or professor looking for graph papers, there are websites offering free sets of graph papers that include lectures, notes, and even guides on how to use them and sample problems that you can use for your students.

Free printable graphing papers

A complete Guide to PRINTABLE GRAPHING PAPERS is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information.

Using printable graph paper is an easy way to draw perfect, geometric shapes and diagrams, even if you're a lousy artist. The reason it works so well is that the small, evenly-spaced squares keep your doodles (and your brain) in good alignment. I've never been that great at drawing straight lines, and without some type of template or guide, my sketches quickly turn into scribbles that I can barely make out the following day.

Here's how I like to use graph paper: I just count off squares to make the shapes I need. I count a certain number of squares up, down, to the left, and to the right. From there I can simply divide the total number of squares in the row by one-half, one-third, one-fourth, or any division I want to create any number of shapes - all in perfect scale with each other.

At first I used printable graph paper almost exclusively for my shop projects; drawing out shapes, marking in the rough dimensions, and trying to get a sense of how the finished project might appear. Eventually I noticed I was using the paper for other things, too, like shopping lists, must-do lists, even simple doodling while I wait for water to boil in the kitchen. Now I use graph paper for almost everything. The neatly arranged little squares somehow keep my brain better organized, and better equipped to sort out the complexities of life.

See my favorite Printable Graph Paper

My favorite kind of printable graph paper these days has a series of converging lines drawn in perspective. If I thought I was bad at drawing straight lines, I'm even worse at drawing in perspective. It's a little tricky at first to see which squares your pencil line should follow, but with a little practice you'll start to see quicker and quicker where the lines need to converge on the page. After that it's very easy to keep boxes looking realistic, plus add anything else you want to the basic shapes and still keep the drawing in perfect perspective.

See my favorite Printable Graph Paper

Oops! Did you forget to buy graph paper again? That's okay; like so many of the things you need for math, printable grid paper can be easily found for free on the internet. It is so cheap, you'll never want to spend you hard earned money on graph paper ever again.

There are a few ways to use the printable grid paper you find on the internet. This is a resource that can be used for a variety of disciplines and subjects.

1. Mathematical graphing. This is the first and most obvious usage. Graphing is a huge part of modern mathematics, especially once you reach higher maths such as statistics and calculus. There is no way to get certain assignments done without it, so make sure you print out a good supply.

2. Art projects. Graph paper is a great way to make fashionably pixelated versions of your favorite masterpieces. It can also be used for cubist modern art and a variety of other graphic projects. As a bonus, printable grid paper often comes in a variety of grid sizes, so you may be able to customize the scale of your masterpiece.

3. Home renovation. Are you planning to remodel but not sure how different elements will fit into your rooms? Trial and error is way too expensive for the average person, so measure the rooms you are planning to change and make a graph paper drawing. You can find the dimensions of different furniture and accessories and make graph paper versions of them to see where they fit. These can be moved around until you find the perfect configuration, saving you a lot of money and time, as well as a few backaches from moving heavy furniture.

4. Statistical charts. If you are trying to explain a set of data to someone, nothing is as helpful as a visual aid such as a graph or a chart showing the facts and figures in a graphic, easy to understand form. Sometimes a picture truly does speak louder than words.

5. Craft project planning. If you are planning a cross stitching or embroidery project, graph paper can be the best way to make the project perfectly symmetrical. The same goes for any project where the medium is permanent, or permanent enough that trial and error simply isn't an efficient idea. Graph paper can also be used to make patterns for scrapbooking tags and other paper effects. If you are going to put time and money into a project, graph paper can give it the professional, symmetrical look you are aiming for.

These are just a few of the many uses for printable grid paper. If you let your imagine go wild, you will find that graph paper is something you can use on a daily basis. Printing it for free off the internet makes this an economical and fun way to plan out your life and add a professional touch to both work and home projects.

Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

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