The вЂњsheet countвЂќ is the number of papers included in a notebook, though youвЂ™ll often see a вЂњpage countвЂќ listed instead, which tallies every usable side of paper. But really, itвЂ™s whatвЂ™s inside that matters most. You can find bound, spiral, or perforated options that come in a wide range of sizes, from compact pocket journals to desk pads. Heavier pages will have less ghosting or bleed-through, but that also depends on the type of pen, highlighter, or marker you use. Paper weight plays a huge part in how well the pages can handle ink. Typical office paper is 80 to 90 GSM, as a reference point, and youвЂ™ll find most notebooks stay within a 56 to 120 GSM range. As you would imagine, the general rule for stationery is that the higher the number, the thicker the paper. Paper weight is occasionally measured in pounds, but more often, youвЂ™ll find notebook paper weights listed in the metric system-based GSM (grams per square meter). Next, youвЂ™ll want to think about the paper weight you prefer. Take note of your preference on graph color, too, as you can find options in muted gray tones, bolder blues, or something in between. Standard graphs offer a lot more precision in lettering or drawing, but wonвЂ™t be as subtle (though theyвЂ™re a great foundation for habit tracking or budgeting spreads). Dot grids are particularly useful for bullet journaling, as theyвЂ™re discreet enough to fade into the background, but will still help you write or draw straight lines. This also applies if youвЂ™re looking at dotted or dashed graph styles, which you may opt for if you only need the graph to act as a guide.

The most common sizes are four squares per inch (written вЂњ4x4вЂќ) and the slightly smaller five squares per inch (вЂњ5x5вЂќ). Graph rule is measured in squares per inch. When shopping for a notebook, first consider the type of grid you like best. Whatever you plan to use it for, the right graph paper notebook for you will meet your needs in terms of size, paper weight, and grid style. The best graph paper notebooks are especially helpful for practicing sketches or lettering, bullet journaling, creating architectural drawings, and so much more. Contrary to popular belief, graph paper is not just for math class.

Oversized graph paper maker