•7 min read
Hex Grid Paper for Games: When to Use It (and Why It Helps)
Hex grids reduce diagonal distortion and make movement feel natural in maps. Learn the basics of hex grid paper and the best use cases.
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If you build tabletop maps, board game prototypes, or tactical layouts, a hex grid often feels better than a square grid.
Why hex grids are popular
On a square grid, diagonal movement can be awkward. Hex grids reduce that distortion because each cell has six neighbors at equal distance.
Best use cases
- tabletop RPG encounter maps
- wargame movement planning
- board game prototyping
- network diagrams that benefit from uniform angles
Hex grid vs square grid
| Grid | Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| Square | easy coordinates, aligns with tables | diagonal distortion |
| Hex | natural movement and adjacency | coordinates feel less intuitive |
If your work is math-heavy, classic graph paper is still ideal:
Printing tip
Hex grids rely on consistent geometry. Print at Actual Size / 100% so hexagons remain uniform.