Journal Notebook: Wide Ruled Line Paper. Wide Rule (also known as legal ruled paper) is the second most common lined paper in the US. The horizontal spacing is 11⁄32 in (8.7 mm). This is the standard for composition or writing books for elementary school kids. It can also be a good choice for the elderly, for people who have large handwriting and people with visual impairment. It is also a good choice for 'casual' writing notebooks for teens.