Wide Ruled Paper: uses, sizes and printing tips
Wide ruled paper — sometimes called legal ruled — spaces the lines 11/32 inch (about 8.7 mm) apart, with the margin line 1¼ inches from the left edge. The extra height gives children and anyone with larger handwriting more room per line.
How to print it
- The page opens wide ruled: lines 11/32″ (8.7 mm) apart with a red margin 1¼″ from the left — 30 lines on a US Letter page.
- For first-graders or beginning writers who need a midline, use handwriting practice paper instead; wide ruled has single lines only.
- Add a Name & date header so worksheets come back labeled, or a title like “Journal” or “Spelling.”
- Click Print / Save as PDF. In the print dialog choose “Actual size” (100%) and turn off “Headers and footers” so the spacing stays exact.
Tips
- For first graders still forming letters, use handwriting paper with a dashed midline instead.
- Wide ruled is what most elementary school supply lists ask for from about 2nd or 3rd grade.
- Older students and adults with large or shaky handwriting often find it more comfortable than college ruled.
- Use Dark gray or Black lines for kids who press lightly or have trouble seeing pale lines.
FAQ
Is wide ruled the same as legal ruled?
Yes. In the US both names describe 11/32 inch line spacing. It has nothing to do with legal-size paper, although you can print it on Legal under Paper size.
What grade uses wide ruled paper?
Most schools use wide ruled paper from about second or third grade, after primary handwriting paper, until students switch to college ruled in middle school.
Will the line spacing be exact when printed?
Yes, as long as the print scale is 100% (Actual size). The lines are drawn as vector graphics, so they stay sharp and exactly spaced on any printer.
Is it free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up and no download. Change the settings, print it or save it as a PDF, and bookmark the address — your settings are stored in the link.
Related paper
More Lined Paper: Narrow Ruled Paper · Lined Paper A4 · Notebook Paper · Blue Lined Paper · Lined Paper Landscape · Low Vision Writing Paper · Gregg Ruled Paper · Seyès French Ruled Paper · Legal Size Lined Paper · Half Sheet Lined Paper · Cornell Notes Template · Cornell Notes Graph Paper
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