Schedule mock interviews on the Meeting Board, join the latest community discussions in our Consulting Q&A and find like-minded Interview Partners to connect and practice with!
Back to overview

plain or graph paper for case interviews better?

Is it better to use graph or plain paper in the cases? do people find using graph helps with keeping track of numbers?

3
4.0k
14
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Deleted
Coach
on Jul 16, 2018

Whatever works best for you - your notes are non-evaluative (except in the context of communicating your structure) and will be thrown away after your interview. Therefore the only consideration is what helps you. 

Personally, I found graph paper helpful for math and for structuring neatly. 

Vlad
Coach
on Jul 15, 2018
McKinsey / Accenture Alum / Got all BIG3 offers / Harvard Business School

Hi,

Graph paper helps to draw the structures better. In terms of tracking the numbers, I guess it's pretty similar.

Best

on Jul 16, 2018
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching

Hi Anonymous,

if you have the option, definitely go for the graph paper, will help to track zeros better (probably the #1 mistake in math) and be better organized in general with your notes.

Best,

Francesco

Similar Questions
Consulting
Relying on memorised frameworks
on Jul 05, 2024
Global
3
1.5k
Top answer by
Ariadna
Coach
BCG | Project Leader and Experienced Interviewer | MBA at London Business School
21
3 Answers
1.5k Views
Consulting
Practice Cases
on Jun 12, 2025
Global
7
100+
Top answer by
PrepLounge
7
7 Answers
100+ Views
+4
Consulting
Which strategy to adopt for a second time case prep for MBBs?
on Aug 10, 2024
Global
4
1.0k
Top answer by
#1 Coach for Sessions (4.500+) | 1.500+ 5-Star Reviews | Proven Success: ➡ interviewoffers.com | Ex BCG | 10Y+ Coaching
30
4 Answers
1.0k Views
+1