1 cm Graph Paper
A precise 1 centimeter square grid for metric-based work — ideal for A4 school notebooks, science diagrams, and technical drafting.
Last updated: August 8, 2026
Settings shown are a 1 cm grid on A4 — change anything you like below.
Why 1 cm spacing?
Centimeter grids are the metric standard used across most of the world outside the US, and they map cleanly onto A4 paper: a full A4 sheet with a reasonable margin fits roughly 18 columns and 26 rows of 1 cm squares. This size is common in primary and secondary school math, for plotting simple graphs, for scale drawings (1 square = 1 unit, or 1 square = 10 units for larger scale work), and for basic technical sketches where millimeter precision isn't required.
Need finer or coarser spacing?
If 1 cm is too coarse for detailed diagrams, switch the spacing to 5 mm or 2 mm using the presets above — both are common in engineering and drafting. For looser grids suited to handwriting practice, try switching units to inches and picking the 1/4 inch preset instead. The unit toggle converts your current spacing and margin automatically, so you won't lose your place when switching between metric and imperial.
Printing tips
Always print at 100% scale / Actual Size, not "Fit to page," or the 1 cm squares will come out slightly larger or smaller than intended. A quick way to confirm accuracy: measure five squares in a row with a ruler — they should span exactly 5 cm.
What size is 1 cm graph paper?
Each square measures exactly 1 cm × 1 cm, the standard metric grid used across most of the world outside the US.
Does 1 cm graph paper fit on A4?
Yes, this page loads the grid on A4 by default — a full sheet with a reasonable margin fits roughly 18 columns and 26 rows of 1 cm squares.
Can I switch to millimeter spacing?
Yes, switch to 5 mm or 2 mm using the presets above for finer engineering or drafting work.
How do I confirm the squares print at exactly 1 cm?
Print at 100% scale / Actual Size, then measure five squares in a row with a ruler — they should span exactly 5 cm.