The 3 x 3 grid is the grid you will use more than almost any other. Nine equal squares sit behind all kinds of projects — a simple tray, a divider for a box, the layout for a modular piece — and once you can find the thirds without thinking, half the battle is already won. The trick is the 'S' method: instead of measuring, you let the paper itself tell you where the divisions live.

It really is as easy as it sounds. Curl the sheet into an S, pinch the edges, unfold, and a few quick folds later the paper opens out into a perfect 3 by 3 grid. Fourteen steps, no ruler, no guesswork — just a technique that will serve you in model after model. Let's fold the thirds.

Learn how to create a 3 by 3 grid of creases on a square sheet of paper. This simple folding technique is very useful for numerous origami models.

STEP 1. This is the front of the paper; your divider will end up being this color.

STEP 2. This is the back of the paper, usually white.

STEP 3. You will need to divide the paper into thirds. This is the 'S' method: pick up the paper and form it into an S shape, adjusting until the paper is equally divided into thirds.

STEP 4. Once it's in three equal sections, make a crease on both edges. Alternatively, get a ruler and measure the thirds along the top edge of the paper with a pencil.

STEP 5. Place the paper back down on the table. You can see the thirds marked on the top edge.

STEP 6. Fold the right edge over to the mark on the top left.

STEP 7. Unfold the previous step.

STEP 8. Fold the left edge over to the crease you made in the previous step.

STEP 9. Unfold the previous step.

STEP 10. Next, fold the bottom right corner diagonally, aligning it with the right vertical crease.

STEP 11. Fold the top edge down to align with the top of the flap you created in the previous step.

STEP 12. Unfold both the top and lower diagonal flap.

STEP 13. Fold the bottom edge up to the horizontal crease you made in the previous step.

STEP 14. Unfold the paper. You now have a grid of 3 by 3, or 9 equal sections.