Paper has a definite grain direction due to greater orientation of fibers in the direction of travel of the paper machine. This grain direction is known as machine direction. The cross direction is the direction of paper at right angles to the machine direction. Some of the properties vary with the MD and CD and hence the values are reported in both the directions. while sheeting the paper, machine and cross direction are to be kept in mind and the sheet cutting to be done to suit the end use requirements.

Examples:

1. All printing papers are to be cut in long grain (The biggest dimension in the grain direction).

2. Book papers fold better and the book stays open better if the sheets are out so that the machine direction runs up and down the pages.

3. Wrap around labels for metal cans and bottles are to be cut with the machine direction vertical to obtain greater flexibility about the can. Long grain and Short grain : The sheet is in long grain if the larger dimension is parallel to grain (MD) direction. The sheet is said to be in short grain if the larger dimension is parallel to cross direction (CD).