Cartesian Grid Paper Template

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• 3'571 Downloads
• 94 KB File Size
• January 3, 2022 Updated
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Cartesian graph paper is one of the most popular types of graph paper. It allows you to create charts, graphs, and drawings with ease and precision. Looking for a ¼ inch green graph paper in portrait orientation? We’ve got that, plus many more options! This template is jam-packed with multiple worksheets, containing graph paper, tailored to fit your needs.

Template Contents

Below, you’ll find a list of all the worksheets included in this template. Given the range that we offer, we’re sure you’ll find the one that is right for you!

0.1 Inch Portrait Green

Graph paper with green grid lines at .1 inch scale in portrait orientation.

0.1 Inch Portrait Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at .1 inch scale in portrait orientation.

0.1 Inch Landscape Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at .1 inch scale in landscape orientation.

0.25 Inch Portrait Green

Graph paper with green grid lines at .25 inch scale in portrait orientation.

0.25 Inch Portrait Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at .25 inch scale in portrait orientation.

0.25 Inch Landscape Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at .25 inch scale in landscape orientation.

0.5 Inch Portrait Green

Graph paper with green color grid lines at .5 inch scale in portrait orientation.

0.5 Inch Portrait Gray

Graph paper with gray color grid lines at .5 inch scale in portrait orientation.

0.5 Inch Landscape Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at .5 inch scale in landscape orientation.

1 Inch Portrait Green

Graph paper with green grid lines at 1 inch scale in portrait orientation.

1 Inch Portrait Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at 1 inch scale in portrait orientation.

1 Inch Landscape Gray

Graph paper with gray grid lines at 1 inch scale in landscape orientation.

1 cm Portrait

Graph paper with gray grid lines at 1 cm scale in portrait orientation.

1 cm Landscape

Graph paper with gray grid lines at 1 cm scale in landscape orientation.

Using the Template

Personalize and Print

You can easily make each template your own! Each worksheet has a built-in header which can be used to include important information, such as names and dates.

You may also number or letter the graph by manually inputting the numbers and/or letters, where appropriate.

Note: To save time on manually numbering or lettering the graph, input the first few numbers or letters and use the autofill handle to drag across the remaining cells. The program will detect the pattern and fill in the rest of the information for you.

Example. Personalize using header and label with numbers or letters

If you’re old-fashioned, just print the graph paper out and let your pencil do the work to create drawings, scatter plots, or graphs. Go ahead and just hit print - each tab is configured to print in its appropriate orientation type and fits to the page.

Working in Excel

Create Basic Charts

You may also choose to work with the graph paper in Excel. For example, linear objects can be inserted to help with plots and drawings. To use linear objects, select “Illustrations”, and then select “Shapes”, under the “Insert” menu. This gives you the option to include a line or a shape with greater precision by using the graph.

Example. Insert linear objects and shapes.

For geometric or algebraic requirements, plot out a graph by drawing an X-axis and Y-axis (Home menu, “draw border”) and then number them. Points can also be plotted out by using “Basic Shapes” as points. That smiley face is calling your name!

Example. Insert linear objects and shapes for geometry or algebra.

Customize

Create an Alphanumeric Grid / External Labels

Time to go outside the box – literally! As an example, for purposes of working with customized coordinates, you can number, letter, or create an alphanumeric grid by labeling outside of the predetermined gridlines in the template. Simply insert a row (at the top of the grid) and a column (on the left side of the grid). Then, manually input numbers, letters, or a combination of the two.

Example. Alphanumeric plot labels outside of grid

Expand the Grid

The only thing better than graph paper is MORE graph paper! If more space is required, the graph paper can be expanded by copying / pasting the previous column or row into the next empty column or row. You may also copy / paste entire ranges or pages into an empty page

Tip: minimize the page layout view

Note: To ensure that the newly expanded graph paper prints properly, “print area” may need to be re-defined by highlighting the entire area you wish to print, select “page layout,” “print area,” and then “set print area.”

Example. Create more graph paper by copying and pasting existing grids into an empty page.

Modify Grid Scale

Our templates offer a wide range of preconfigured grid scale options. But what if you need to work in an oddly interesting grid scale, such as .33 inch square dimensions? You can!

Option A: Use the ruler guideline to modify the grid scale. First, check to ensure that you are in “Page Layout” view.

Example. Page Layout View

The “Ruler” tool should be displayed automatically in Page Layout view (it can also be activated by checking the ruler box, found under the “View” menu). Now, you can see the scale of the cell, as it is being modified when dragged. Click the triangle in the top left corner to highlight all cells and modify as needed.

Example. Customize grid scale by dragging cells

Option B: If you are not a fan of the dragging method, fear not; there is another way to modify the grid scale! Select the entire area, right click on any row and select “Column Width”. This allows you to manually enter the new scale requirement. Then, modify the “Row Height” to create a perfect square by repeating this step on rows.

Example. Customize grid by manual input

Modify Grid Units

Want to work even smaller? You can modify the units originally displayed in this grid template by switching from centimeters to millimeters (or back to inches). To do this – go to the “File” menu and select “Options”. Next, select “Advanced” and scroll down to the “Display” settings. Finally, select the appropriate unit (e.g. Millimeters) from the “Ruler Units” dropdown menu. This will now allow you to modify grid scale in the newly selected unit of measure.

Example. Excel Options, Advanced menu to switch grid units.

Example. Modifying grid scale in Millimeters

Add some Color

Grid lines and graph paper color can be jazzed up just the way you like it. To modify graph paper background, select the area and use the “Fill Color” option, under the “Home” menu to charge the color of the grid. Grid lines can be altered by selecting your preferred “Line Color” and “Line Style”, also under the “Home” menu.

Example. Customizing background color and grid lines.

We hope this article was helpful.

If you have suggestions or comments about your user experience, let us know!