•7 min read
What Is Dot Grid Paper? Spacing, Use Cases, and Printing Tips
Dot grid paper is a favorite for bullet journaling and design sketches. Learn the common dot spacing options and how to print them accurately.
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Dot grid paper gives you structure without the visual weight of full grid lines. It’s popular for bullet journals, planners, and layout sketches.
Common dot grid spacings
Dot grids usually use millimeters, especially on A4 templates.
| Spacing | Good for |
|---|---|
| 4mm | Dense writing and detailed diagrams |
| 5mm | The most common “default” for journals and general use |
| 10mm | Large layouts, kids, quick planning |
When dot grid beats lined paper
- You want to mix text, diagrams, and small tables
- You want consistent alignment for columns
- You don’t want heavy lines to show through scans/photos
Printing without changing dot spacing
Dot spacing is extremely sensitive to scaling. To preserve spacing:
- Select the correct paper size (A4 vs Letter)
- Print at Actual Size / 100%
- Avoid Fit / Shrink options
A quick consistency test
Print a dot grid and measure 10 intervals:
- For 5mm spacing: 10 intervals should be 50mm
If it’s not exact, scaling is still enabled somewhere.
Simple template pairing
If you also take standard notes, pairing dot grid with a ruled template is a strong combo:
- Lined notes: College ruled template
- Graph work: 1/4 inch graph paper