Ruled paper

Ruled paper (or lined paper) is writing paper that typically consists of horizontal lines meant to be used as a guide for handwriting. Sometimes additional vertical lines provide margins or act as tab stops. The lines often are printed with fine width and in light color, thus such paper is sometimes called feint-ruled paper.

A popular alternative to lined paper is graph paper (squared paper or grid paper). It is a grid layout in which horizontal and vertical lines are equally spaced, dividing the page into squares.

There are many types of ruled paper. Lines are drawn on paper according to the needs of the 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, etc.

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:

Elementary students use Tianzigezhi ruled paper.

In France, in order to foster handwriting discipline, a type of ruling known as Seyès ruling is used on paper in schools. Heavy horizontal lines are printed 8 mm (appx. 5/16 in) apart, with three lighter lines 2 mm (appx. 5/64 in) apart between each pair of heavy lines. Heavy vertical lines are spaced 8 mm (appx. 5/16 in) apart, beginning 16 mm (appx. 5/8 in) from the left-hand edge of the page. These sheets of paper are generally known as grand carreaux (large tiles) as opposed to the petit carreaux (small tile) which are 5x5mm. Seyès ruled paper is available in single sheets or joined double sheets which are sometimes preferred for exams, being easier to handle.

DIN 16552:1977-04 (“Lines for handwriting”) specifies the types of ruled paper to be used by school pupils.

Among others, genkō yōshi is a kind of paper for manuscript writing specific to the Japanese language.

In 1984, Standards New Zealand instituted an official standard for school stationery which specified standards for ruled and unruled paper.

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