Best Line Spacing for Notes (College vs Wide vs Narrow Ruled)
Line spacing changes how readable and dense your notes feel. Compare common ruled formats and pick the right spacing for your handwriting.
Choosing ruled paper isn’t just aesthetic: the spacing affects legibility, speed, and how much content fits on a page.
Common ruled formats (quick comparison)
| Type | Typical spacing | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wide ruled | ~8.7mm (11/32") | Kids, larger handwriting, early grades |
| College ruled | ~7.1mm (9/32") | Most students and general note-taking |
| Narrow ruled | ~6.4mm (1/4") | Dense notes, smaller handwriting |
If you want ready-to-print US Letter templates:
- College ruled: College ruled template
- Wide ruled: Wide ruled template
- Narrow ruled: Narrow ruled template
How to choose the right spacing
1) Match your handwriting size
Write two or three lines on scrap paper. If your letters frequently touch the line above, you probably need wider spacing.
2) Match your use case
- Lecture notes: college ruled is usually the best balance
- Math + written explanation: college ruled or dot grid
- Meeting notes: dot grid can be more flexible for bullets + diagrams
3) Consider readability over density
Narrow ruled can fit more content, but it also makes messy handwriting look worse. If you are scanning notes later, slightly larger spacing often looks cleaner.
Printing tips (to keep spacing accurate)
Always print templates at Actual Size / 100%. Any “fit” option will change the spacing you chose.
FAQ
Is there an official standard for ruled spacing?
In practice, ruled spacing is a convention used by paper manufacturers and schools. The important part is consistency: pick a spacing that matches your handwriting and print at 100%.