Ruled paper 882527 217369533 2008-06-05T19:03:37Z 67.170.33.167 /* Generic Types of Ruled Paper */ '''Ruled paper''' (or, ''Lined paper'') is writing [[paper]] that typically consists of horizontal lines meant to separate lines of hand-written text, and vertical lines meant to provide [[margin]]s or to act as [[tab stop]]s. A popular alternative to lined paper is [[graph paper]]. It is a grid layout in which horizontal and vertical lines are equally spaced, dividing the page into squares. ==Generic types of ruled paper== There are many different types and specifications of ruled paper. Lines are drawn on paper according to the needs of the intended users. Some types of ruled paper are for [[calligraphy]], making graphs, or writing music, whereas others are for teaching students how to write in a particular language or script. The type of ruling is not typically tied to any particular [[paper size]]. Instead, it is usually determined by the purpose, style of handwriting, and/or the language being written. Lines on ruled paper are typically used as guidelines to help the user keep their writing or drawing consistent with a predetermined set of rules. Some generic categories of lined paper are as follows: * '''Notebook paper''' (or ''Writing paper'', ''Filler paper'') is typically used for handwriting. It is produced in different layouts and sizes. The specific size and layout is determined by the need or region. The layout usually consists of evenly-spaced horizontal lines with vertical lines drawn to indicate [margin]s, the middle of the page, or sections of a line. The number of vertical lines varies by region. (see below) * '''Graph paper''' is used for drafting, drawing, math, etc. ** '''Quadrille ruled''' paper has horizontal and vertical lines which are both evenly-spaced over the entire page, creating a grid of squares. These evenly-spaced squares help to keep things lined up. In addition to creating graphs, students often use graph paper to help keep numbers in columns when doing manual operations such as long division or long multiplication. ** '''Semi-log ruled''' paper is similar to quadrille ruled, except the horizontal lines are drawn according to the logarithmic scale, and so the lines are not evenly spaced.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.umd.umich.edu/casl/natsci/slc/slconline/SEMI/|title=Semi-log Plots|accessdate=2008-03-27}}</ref> * '''Music manuscript paper''' is used when handwriting music. The most basic page is laid out with a series of five-line staves, each spanning the width of the page. Any [[musical notation]] (clefs, bars, notes, etc.) may be written in as desired by the artist. As notebook paper is to the written word, music manuscript paper is to the written score. ==Regional Standards of Ruled Paper== {{globalize}} ===United States=== In the United States, ruled paper is available in a variety of semi-standardized formats: * '''Wide ruled''' paper has 11/32" (8.7mm) spacing between horizontal lines, with a vertical margin drawn about 1-1/4" (31.75mm) from the left-hand edge of the page. It is commonly used by American children in [[grade school]], as well as by those with larger handwriting. * '''Medium ruled''' (or ''College ruled'') paper has 9/32" (7.1mm) spacing between horizontal lines, with a vertical margin drawn about 1-1/4" (31.75mm) from the left-hand edge of the page. Its use is very common in the United States. In fact, college professors will often specify the use of college ruled paper for classes.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} * '''Narrow ruled''' (or ''Legal ruled'') paper has 1/4" (6.35mm) spacing between ruling lines, and is used by those with smaller handwriting or to fit more lines per page. * '''Gregg ruled''' paper has ruling specialized for [[stenography]]. It has 11/32" (8.7mm) spacing between ruling lines, with a single margin drawn down the center of the page. * '''Manuscript ruled''' paper is used to teach young children how to write. A blank sheet consists of rows of four lines (the space between them depends on the age group being taught) with the second line in the set being dotted. The [[D'Nealian|D'Nealian writing style]] is a well-known teaching method that makes use of this type of paper ruling. Another educational institution, [[Pensacola_Christian_College#A_Beka_Book|A Beka Book]], utilizes this ruling along with a house metaphor (upstairs, downstairs, and basement) to help young children learn where parts of each letter should be written. The usage is similar in concept to the use of the horizontal lines on French Seyés rule paper. ===France=== In France, in order to foster handwriting discipline, the type of ruling used on paper in schools is determined by the French government{{Fact|date=March 2008}}: Heavy horizontal lines are drawn 8mm (appx. 5/16") apart, with three lighter lines 2mm (appx. 5/64") apart in between each pair of heavy lines. Heavy vertical lines are drawn, spaced 8mm (appx. 5/16") apart, beginning 16mm (appx. 5/8") from the left-hand edge of the page.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pendemonium.com/stationery.htm#clairefontaine|title=Clairefontaine Stationary|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> This is also known as '''Seyés Ruling'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=792|title=Seyès Ruling (a.k.a. French Ruling)|accessdate=2008-03-26}}</ref> ==External links== * [http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/ Incompetech] can generate PDF files of graph and ruled paper with customizable spacing and sizes. * [http://carcosa.net/jason/software/utilities/writingpaper/ writingpaper.py] is a Python script that can create French-ruled paper without the vertical lines. [[Category:Writing paper]] [[Category:Recyclable materials]]