Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Matplotlib uses two different settings for what people call “grid spacing”: tick intervals determine where grid lines appear inside each plot, while wspace and hspace determine the gaps between subplot panels. Use ax.grid() for lines in each panel and fig.subplots_adjust() or GridSpec for panel layout.

Add grid lines to every subplot

plt.subplots() returns a Figure and one or more Axes. A Figure holds the overall layout; each Axes is an individual plot. For a grid of panels, iterate over the Axes and call grid() on each one:

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

fig, axs = plt.subplots(2, 2, figsize=(8, 6))

for ax in axs.flat:
    ax.plot([0, 1, 2], [0, 1, 4])
    ax.grid(
        visible=True,
        which="major",
        axis="both",
        color="gray",
        linestyle="--",
        linewidth=0.7,
        alpha=0.6,
    )

fig.subplots_adjust(wspace=0.3, hspace=0.35)
plt.show()

The style values are illustrative; adjust them to suit the figure. With a single subplot, plt.subplots() may return one Axes rather than an array. If you want a consistent array shape, use squeeze=False: fig, axs = plt.subplots(1, 1, squeeze=False). Then axs.flat works in either case.

Choose which grid lines appear

Axes.grid(visible=None, which="major", axis="both", **kwargs) controls grid lines for an individual panel. Set visibility explicitly in reusable code; calling grid() without visibility or style arguments toggles the current state. Supplying style properties also makes Matplotlib treat the grid as visible.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
  • which="major" displays grid lines at major tick positions.
  • which="minor" displays them at minor tick positions.
  • which="both" requests both sets.
  • axis="x", "y", or "both" selects the direction.

Common line properties include color, linestyle, linewidth, and alpha. For example, to show subtle major grid lines on both axes, use:

for ax in axs.flat:
    ax.grid(True, which="major", axis="both",
            color="#888888", linestyle=":", linewidth=0.8, alpha=0.7)

Change the interval between grid lines

Grid lines follow tick positions; grid() selects which ticks receive lines, but it does not set their numeric interval. If lines are too dense or too far apart, configure the relevant Axes ticks or locator, then enable the grid for those ticks. For minor grid lines, first make sure minor ticks are configured or otherwise present, and call grid(which="minor"). A request for minor grid lines alone does not establish a custom interval.

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Use this approach when you want to change line density inside a panel. It is separate from changing the whitespace between panels.

Adjust the gaps between subplot panels

Call subplots_adjust() on the Figure to change panel spacing:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
fig.subplots_adjust(wspace=0.25, hspace=0.3)
  • wspace is the gap between columns as a fraction of the average Axes width.
  • hspace is the gap between rows as a fraction of the average Axes height.

These are relative layout values, not pixels or points. Values not supplied retain their existing settings; the initial settings come from the figure.subplot.* rcParams.

Use GridSpec for panel sizing and complex layouts

When panels need different relative sizes as well as controlled gaps, use GridSpec settings through gridspec_kw, or pass width and height ratios to plt.subplots():

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
fig, axs = plt.subplots(
    2, 2,
    figsize=(8, 6),
    width_ratios=[2, 1],
    height_ratios=[1, 2],
    gridspec_kw={"wspace": 0.25, "hspace": 0.3},
)

Ratios express relative panel sizes: for example, a width ratio of 2 to 1 makes the first column twice the width of the second. GridSpec also supports layout parameters such as left, right, bottom, and top. See the Matplotlib GridSpec customization example for a worked layout.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Set a consistent style across figures

For a one-off figure, local ax.grid() calls make the intended styling clear. To apply defaults across figures, Matplotlib provides rcParams for grid appearance, including axes.grid, axes.grid.axis, axes.grid.which, and grid.color, grid.linestyle, grid.linewidth, and grid.alpha. Major and minor grid styling can also be overridden separately. Figure panel gaps have their own figure.subplot.wspace and figure.subplot.hspace settings. The Matplotlib rcParams documentation lists the available configuration options.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Matplotlib also has constrained layout and its own spacing and padding settings. Choose a layout strategy deliberately and inspect the rendered figure, since automatic layout must account for titles, labels, and tick labels.

Keep grid lines behind or in front of plot elements

Grid draw order can be surprising: the grid is drawn as part of the Axis, so changing a line’s zorder alone may not put it where you expect. Use ax.set_axisbelow() to control whether grid lines and ticks appear below or above plot elements. For finer control, the Axes.grid API reference points to the Axis set_zorder() method.

Pick the setting that matches the problem

What needs to change Control What it affects
Grid-line direction or style in a panel ax.grid(visible=True, axis=..., ...) Which grid lines appear and how they look in that Axes.
Grid-line interval or density Configure that Axes’ tick positions or locator, then enable the matching grid. Where tick-aligned grid lines fall inside the panel.
Gaps between subplot panels fig.subplots_adjust(wspace=..., hspace=...) or GridSpec spacing Horizontal and vertical whitespace in the Figure layout.
Relative panel sizes width_ratios, height_ratios, or GridSpec How much layout space each column or row receives.
Defaults across figures Grid and figure subplot rcParams Global styling and initial panel gaps.

The Figure API documentation describes subplot spacing, while the Axes and subplots guide explains how Axes and subplot arrangements fit together.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.