graph-ruled papers..

Here in the metric world we have two main types of Graph paper, with 5mm and 7mm grids. Most schoolwork is done with the 7mm, as it suits the size of typical handwriting, so it’s easier to do math and such. 7mm is approximately 9/32 inches, so it’s a bit bigger grid than the 1/4” you had.

I like to use the 5mm grid for sketching, since our ”base unit” is one centimeter, Or 10 millimeters. That way I can just use a ruler for long lines instead of counting the little squares Your 5 grid per inch paper is very close to 5mm.

”Professionals” use paper with tiny 1x1mm grid where the small grid is printed with a lighter colour, and every 10th line is printed heavier so that it is easier to use. That’s what I used in the beginning of my engineering studies, along with pens with different tip widths according to DIN standard (”Deutsche Industrial Normen” or something)  I am definitely old-school, did a lot of hand-drafting, although basic 2D CAD systems were coming already by then. I think I still have a block of that 1mm paper somewhere.

I still like to do my sketching and drafting with a pencil on a 5mm grid paper, causing some amusement among my colleagues