Graph paper is a blank print paper having a gridline structure made out of fine lines. It is also known as grid paper, coordinate paper, and squared paper. The graph paper is usually useful for several applications such a plotting simple graph for mathematical functions, laboratory experiments data, and drawing complex geometrical curves.
The graph paper template is always available in the mathematical or engineering books that include functions and data to plot graphs for the understanding of the relationship between variables. Further, it is readily available in the form of graph paper notebooks or loose-leaf at stationery shops.
One can make his graph paper by drawings a lot of equally distanced horizontal and vertical fine lines. These lines must be drawn using a light faint pencil. As the graph paper lines just work as guidelines or a grid to plot a graph between different variables to understand the relationship.
Table of Contents
What is graph paper?
A graph paper is a printed paper that comes with a prearranged grid. This grid is such a useful tool for several subjects. You can do math equations or write science data with perfect precision with the help of graph paper. Moreover, the grid enables you to measure multiple functions in a way that is proportionally accurate. Another name for graph paper is millimeter paper or graphing paper because it measures accurately down to the centimeter or millimeter.
What are the different types of graph paper?
You can find different types of graph paper online to meet your requirements. They are as follows;
- Rectangular graph paper
- Blank computer screens
- Trigonometric graph paper
- Number line graph paper
- Dot paper
- Polar graph paper
- Isometric graph paper
- Engineering graph paper
The most common type of printable graph paper is the rectangular graph paper template having four equal quadrants with labeled axis and scales. Since it is divided into four sections therefore, it is also referred to as quad paper. On the basis of the course or assignment, each rectangular graph paper suits your requirements. The horizontal and vertical graph lines with each quadrant can make centimeter or millimeter squares. These squares are small or large on the basis of your need.
Trigonometric graph paper is used for trigonometry equations and functions like sin, cosine, and tan. Furthermore, to measure circles, angles, and degrees, make use of polar graph papers. They are special orb templates. The dot graph paper is useful in various subjects like engineering, drawing, physics, and more.
How can you use graph paper?
Graph paper is definitely important for different subjects. In math subject, students need graph paper to perform functions to scale. This subject has geometry, in which you use graph paper with a protractor, ruler, compass, and straightedge. If you don’t have graph paper then you can find it difficult to make measurements accurately. Furthermore, you can require graph paper to correctly draw lines, angles, geometric shapes, triangles together with a degree and angle bisectors, and coordinate planes.
In other subjects like algebra and algebra II, graph paper is necessary to correctly draw x and y coordinates, functions, and quadratic equations. Graph paper allows you to better understand the concepts of intercepts and slopes. In linear algebra, you may require it to work on matrices and vectors. In math analysis and trigonometry, you require it to work accurately with angles and trigonometry functions. In physics, due to its two-dimensional nature, it is required for units on two-dimensional motion, velocity, and acceleration.
Where can you find graph paper?
The easiest way to find a graph paper is to print out a graph paper online. With the help of an actual graph paper template, you can make sure of the measurement accuracy in your performance and final work. In past days, people had to draw their own graph paper and grids which is such a time-consuming activity neither practical nor efficient. Nowadays, you can easily download free graph paper online. Hence, the cost is no longer issue. With the help of templates, you will get the graphing paper you require to perform at your very best.
How do I make a graph in Excel?
Let us discuss step-by-step how to make a graph in Excel;
Step#1: At first, enter your data into Excel. You can input data manually or any piece of marketing software or survey tool.
Step#2: Then, select one of nine graph and chart options to make. There are several choices for charts and graphs to make in Excel. This involves such as line graphs, pie graphs, scatter plots, and much more.
Step#3: The next step is to highlight your data and insert your desired graph.
Step#4: Next, if you need to switch what displays on the X and Y axis then right-click on a bar graph, click select data, and then click switch row/column.
Step#5: After that, adjust your data’s layout and colors.
Step#6: In this step, you can change the size of your chart’s legend and axis labels.
Step#7: If you wish then change the Y-axis measurement options.
Step#8: In the last step, reorder your data if you want and then title your graph.
Applications of Graph Paper Template:
You have graduated in whatever program. Almost everyone has used graph paper for plotting graphs. It isn’t just useful for plotting graphs for complex mathematical functions. However, it’s equally helpful to plot straight-line graphs between two variables.
In mathematical applications, graph paper is used as a means of solving complex problems. It is not just useful to plot graphs and see the visual representation of variable relations. But it has many applications in mathematics to solve problems using a graphical way. The best example is solving the system of equations using graphs.
The statistics are all about graphics the data for understanding the relationship between different variables. The graph paper is the core of the statistical analysis. Also, it has usefulness in engineering applications especially in engineering drawing and design fields.
Format of Graph Paper Template:
Most of us are only familiar with the simple graph paper that has square boxes draw using equally distributed horizontal and vertical lines. However, there are several types of graph papers for different applications.
The most common type of graph paper is quad paper. It has several small squares grid with a distribution of horizontal and vertical lines to make four quadrants. It’s available with different specifications such as two to six squares in an inch.
There is a type of graph paper that does not have gridlines. It has dots on the point of imaginary lines intersections. It’s very useful to organize personal schedules, reminders, and to-do lists using bullet journaling techniques.
The engineering graphs paper may even include 10 squares in an inch. This type of graph paper template doesn’t have grid lines on the front side of the paper. But the lines are drawn at the backside having faint look on the front for undistracted guidance.
Further, there is a type of graph paper that has hexagonal shapes instead of squares. It has a special application in mapping geometrically titled designs. Moreover, isometric graph papers are also available in the form of triangular papers that are specially designed with three guidelines to form grid small triangles.
One application-specific graph paper is a logarithmic paper. It has rectangles instead of squares or hexagons. The distance between the horizontal and vertical lines is controlled by the logarithmic scales for different log plots.
Faqs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, you can make your own graph paper. There are various online resources that you can use to make your own graph paper.
No, there is no difference between them. Graph paper is often known as grid paper commonly used in mathematics classrooms.
The most common form of graph paper is Quad paper having a sparse grid printed in light blue or gray. It is also known as quadrille paper from French quadrillé.
