What engineering paper is
Engineering paper, also called engineering computation paper, is the pad engineering students use for problem sets and calculations. It has a light green grid of 5 squares per inch with a heavier line every inch, and a heading for the name, date, subject and page number. On the classic pads the grid is printed on the back of the sheet, so it shows faintly through the front and does not clutter photocopies.
How engineers use it
- One problem per page, with the given values, the sketch, the work and the boxed answer in order.
- The grid keeps sketches, free-body diagrams and quick graphs to scale.
- Page numbers in the heading keep long problem sets in order.
For other grids, use the graph paper maker.
Printing tips
- Print at 100% (Actual size), not Fit to page, so squares and line spacing keep their exact size.
- Light lines (gray or light blue) are easy to write over and fade into the background of a scan or photo; use darker lines for drawing practice or when the paper will be photocopied.
- Need a stack? Set the number of pages and print the PDF once, or print one page and photocopy it.
- Thicker paper (24 to 32 lb or 90 to 120 gsm) takes ink pens and markers without bleeding through.