How to print hexagon paper
- Pick the hexagon size (side length): 3–5 mm for chemistry, 1/2 inch or 1 cm for game maps and quilting.
- Choose flat-top or pointy-top hexagons.
- Download and print at 100%. Only whole hexagons are drawn, so nothing is cut off at the edge.
What people use hex paper for
| Use | Typical size |
|---|---|
| Organic chemistry (benzene rings, structures) | 3–5 mm |
| RPG and board-game maps, world building | 1/2 inch – 1 cm |
| English paper piecing and quilt planning | Any size; one hex per patch |
| Tiling, mosaics, beehive and pattern design | 5 mm – 1 cm |
Hexagon measurements
For a regular hexagon with side length s: the distance corner to corner is 2s, the distance flat side to flat side is √3 × s (about 1.73 s), and the area is about 2.6 s². So a 1/2-inch hexagon is 1 inch across its corners and about 0.87 inch across its flats.
Frequently asked questions
What is hexagon paper used for?
Organic chemistry ring structures, hex maps for board games and RPGs, English paper piecing in quilting, and tiling or mosaic designs.
Flat top or pointy top?
Both are common. Flat-top hexes line up in columns going down the page; pointy-top hexes line up in rows across it. Use whichever your game, map or design uses.
How is hexagon size measured?
By the side length, which is also the distance from the centre to a corner. A 5 mm hexagon is 10 mm across corner to corner.
Is the grid exact?
Print at 100% / Actual size (not “Fit to page”), otherwise the printer shrinks the page and the spacing is no longer exact.
Last updated 2026-10-19.