How to Draw a Grid

Reviewed by Jeanine Hattas Wilson

Last Updated: June 16, 2022

Drawing a grid is a great skill to have for all kinds of drawing and diagramming. You can use a grid to enlarge images, create the basis for a perspective drawing, and much more. We're here to walk you through everything you need to know about drawing your own grid, so you can easily sketch one out for your own projects.

1

Determine the dimensions of your grid.

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Before making your grid, you should consider what the grid is being used for. You may want cells that are square or rectangular. You may want cells that are uniform in size or variable in size. That all depends on how you want your grid to look. This example will use square, uniform cells. You can alter this method to be used in any type of grid you want to make.

2

Decide on how big you want each square to be.

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For example, you might want each square to measure 1 by 1 in (2.5 by 2.5 cm). Record these measurements, as they will be the basis for your markings.
- Do your homework on the measurements, and know the size of the paper you are working with. Ensure that the size of your squares divides evenly into the size of the paper, or you will have squares that won't fit evenly into it.

3

Prepare to make your first marks.

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Line it up so that the first mark on your ruler lines up with the left edge of the paper. This will ensure that the marks you are making are straight and accurate.

4

Make initial points.

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Then, make dots at increments of however wide you decided on making the squares. If you wanted the squares to be 1 inch wide, make marks at increments of 1 inch until you reach the edge of your paper.

5

Make additional points.

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This way, you have multiple dots in a row at each given increment. These will be the basis for your lines.

6

Repeat in the other direction

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Do this until you have successfully made both horizontal and vertical points.

7

Connect the points.

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Make sure all of the points lie on the ruler so that the line will be straight. Using your drawing utensil and the straight edge of your ruler, draw a line connecting your points.

8

Make adjustments.

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Tips

Pencils work best for drawing grids. If you make a mistake, you can easily erase your work and try again.

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If using a pencil, do not press too hard on the surface of the paper. This could cause the ruler to slip out of place or create permanent indents in the paper.

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The more dots you make to form the basis of your line, the straighter your line will be.

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