Ready for the Course: How to Buy the Right Letter & Legal Ruled Pads
Introduction
When it comes to taking notes, drafting documents, or jotting down ideas, few tools are as essential as a ruled pad. But with so many options available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we'll discuss the various factors to consider when selecting letter- and legal-sized ruled pads, including paper quality, ruling style, and binding type. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision that best fits your needs.
Paper Quality
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a ruled pad is the quality of the paper. The last thing you want is for your pen or pencil to bleed through to the other side of the page, rendering your notes or ideas unreadable. That's why it's essential to choose a pad with high-quality paper that can withstand the pressure of your writing instrument without bleeding or feathering.
To determine the quality of the paper, look for the weight and thickness of the sheets. Heavier papers (measured in pounds) and thicker papers (measured in mils) are typically more durable and less likely to bleed through. Additionally, look for papers that are acid-free, as this will prevent them from yellowing or deteriorating over time.
Ruling Style
Ruled pads come in a variety of ruling styles, each of which is suited for different purposes. The most common ruling styles are college, wide, and narrow.
- College ruling is a medium-spaced ruling that is well-suited for taking notes in a classroom or meeting setting. It provides enough space for writing and allows for easy reading.
- Wide ruling is exactly what it sounds like - it has wider lines than college ruling, providing more space for writing. This is a good option for those with larger handwriting or for those who need more space to write.
- Narrow ruling, on the other hand, has narrower lines than college ruling. This is a good option for those with smaller handwriting or for those who need to fit more information on each page.
Additionally, some ruled pads come with additional formatting, such as quadrille (grid) ruling or margin ruling. Quadrille ruling is useful for drawing graphs or diagrams, while margin ruling provides a space for noting the date or page number.
Binding Type
Another important factor to consider when choosing a ruled pad is the binding type. Ruled pads are typically bound using one of three methods: top binding, side binding, or perforated binding.
- Top binding, also known as spiral binding, is when the pages of the pad are bound together at the top of the page. This allows the pad to lay flat when open, making it easy to write on the entire page.
- Side binding is when the pages are bound together on the side of the page, allowing the pad to open like a book. This is a good option for those who prefer to write on a surface that is angled slightly upwards.
- Perforated binding is when the pages are bound together but can be easily torn off along a pre-scored line. This is a convenient option for those who need to remove pages from the pad frequently.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right letter- and legal-sized ruled pad involves considering several factors, including paper quality, ruling style, and binding type. By taking the time to carefully consider your needs and preferences, you can select a pad that will serve you well for all your note-taking and document-drafting needs.