The 10 Best Graph Papers
This wiki has been updated 32 times since it was first published in May of 2016. Even in today's electronic age, many people still use graphing paper regularly for school, work, journaling, or art projects. These gridded sheets are essential for engineers, architects, and designers, and are ideal for mathematical equations, displaying experimental data, making two-dimensional pictures, and planning home renovations. They work just fine to draw on, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Midori MD Notebook
2. Scientific Notebook Company Smyth Sewn
3. Moleskine Classic
Editor's Notes
August 08, 2020:
We've kept a range of loose leaf and notebook choices, so there are designs perfect for everyone: mathematicians, engineers, students, artists, casual doodlers, and more. We've removed the Bazic Graph Reversible, however, over concerns about its binding, which is weaker than some of the competition. And speaking of binding, we kept the Miquelrius Journal, as it's one of the thickest options out there, but its binding is also far from perfect. Consider this one if you need the high page count and don't mind being a little cautious with your supplies.
As for new choices, we selected the Midori MD Notebook and the Moleskine Classic, both of which would make fine journals for the supremely neat and organized. The Midori hails from Japan and is without a traditional cover, which is by design. This makes it easy to write in, but if you want greater protection, covers are available for separate purchase.
Finally, it's worth noting that some of our choices have a different grid size on the front than on the back of each sheet, which is helpful for some users but an annoyance to others, depending on why the paper is needed. These choices are the Five Star Filler and the Tops Quadrille Pads. Of the two, the Five Star is arguably made to higher quality standards, and it is punched for three-ring binders — which is, again, a plus or a minus, depending upon your requirements.
August 15, 2019:
In addition to a well-made mechanical pencil, quality graph paper is a requirement for many a student, engineer, architect, or artist. Or, for some, they’re useful for doodling or for making orderly to-do lists. Our selection features both loose leaf designs and tablets to suit different preferences.
Joining the list in this update is the Joyful Journals Quad Ruled, which comes in a variety of colors and designs for the cover, and, unlike many others, this one features soft, gray grid lines (as opposed to the commonly used blue ones). Unlike many composition books that run smaller, this one is letter-sized (8.5x11 inches), so you’ll have plenty of room to show your work or sizable drawings on each page. (It also does come in smaller sizes for those who prefer them.) Just note that, like with many other composition books, the pages are not perforated, so tearing them out can be a hassle.
If you’re in the market for loose leaf sheets instead, look at the Five Star Filler, the pages of which feature durable, reinforced strips along the left side, so they’ll stay nicely in your binder throughout the school year, if need be, without tearing at the holes. They resist ink bleeding and are certified for meeting sustainable forestry practices when they’re manufactured.
Special Honors
Peel Notebook Instead of graph lines, the Peel Notebook provides you with a dot grid, but this is far from its most interesting feature. Unlike others, it has magnetic covers, which not only keep it shut but also allow several to align easily when stacked next to each other. buypeel.com
Captain Notepad Custom Grid When run-of-the-mill options won't do, try the Captain Notepad Custom Grid; it's offered in plenty of sizes, including a tiny .125-inch grid. You can add your logo and/or business address to complete the personalization, and opt for 25, 50, or 100 sheet pads. captainnotepad.com
Montblanc Notebook #146 Many choices are plain and utilitarian, but not the Montblanc Notebook #146. Manufactured in Italy, it boasts a Saffiano leather cover, which is lightly textured to add visual interest. The grid lines don't extend all the way to the edges of each page, but with an overall size of around 6 by 8 inches, there's ample room to work. montblanc.com
4. Action Publishing Crisp White
5. Five Star Filler
6. Miquelrius Journal
7. Ampad Quad Dual-Pad
8. Joyful Journals Quad Ruled
9. Tops Engineering Computation Pad
10. Tops Quadrille Pads
Melissa Harr is a language-obsessed writer from Chicagoland who holds both a bachelor of arts and master of arts in English. Although she began as a TEFL teacher, earning several teaching certificates and working in both Russia and Vietnam, she moved into freelance writing to satisfy her passion for the written word. She has published full-length courses and books in the realm of arts & crafts and DIY; in fact, most of her non-working time is spent knitting, cleaning, or committing acts of home improvement. Along with an extensive knowledge of tools, home goods, and crafts and organizational supplies, she has ample experience (okay, an obsession) with travel gear, luggage, and the electronics that make modern life more convenient.