Starting high school means a whole new level of supply shopping, and it’s easy to end up with a cart full of stuff you don’t need. Every class wants something different, and the lists you find online are either endless or too vague to help. This guide cuts through that and covers exactly what high schoolers need, from binders and notebooks to calculators and lab gear, plus what’s essential and what’s optional.
To make it even easier, I’ve put together a free printable PDF of the full high school supplies list. Download it, print it, and tick items off as you shop so nothing gets forgotten (or bought twice). Ready? Let’s get you set up.
Grab Your Free Printable Here
What’s inside the PDF
The printable is a 3-page checklist of everything on this list, sorted by category so it’s easy to follow in the store. Page 1 covers the basics and backpack must-haves, and page 2 covers class-specific supplies, tech, and nice-to-haves. Every item has a checkbox, so you can tick things off as you go.
Page 3 is a blank checklist, just for you. Every student’s schedule is different, so use it to add anything your teachers ask for, like a specific calculator model, a lab notebook, or art supplies. You can also use it as a restock list later in the year.
How to download and print it
Print all three pages on regular letter or A4 paper, grab a pen, and take it with you when you shop. Need extra copies of the blank page? Just print it again as many times as you like. You can also save the PDF to your phone and check items off digitally.
The Basics Everyone Needs
These are the items nearly every high schooler uses every single day, so they’re safe to buy before school starts. They’re all on page 1 of your printable.
Notebooks, binders, and folders
- Notebooks: 1 per subject, or 1 big multi-subject notebook if you like fewer things to carry
- Binder: one 1.5-2 inch binder with dividers, or a few slim ones if your backpack is already heavy
- Folders: 1 per class for handouts and graded work
- Loose-leaf paper: a pack of lined paper, plus a small pack of graph paper
Pens, pencils, and highlighters
- Pens: blue or black for notes, plus a few extras because they vanish
- Pencils: a handful of HB or #2 pencils, since they’re still needed for math and tests
- Erasers and a sharpener: small but easy to forget
- Highlighters: 3-4 colors is plenty, no need for the giant rainbow set
A planner you’ll actually use
Pick a planner that fits how you work: a weekly view if you like seeing everything at once, or a daily one if your schedule is packed. A simple notebook works too. Just write down every assignment and test date, and you’ll thank yourself later. If you like setting targets for the year, pair your planner with our printable SMART goals worksheet for high school.
Backpack Must-Haves
Your supplies are only useful if you can carry them comfortably, so the bag matters just as much as what goes inside. These items are on page 1 of your printable. Want a closer look at what to pack? Check out our high school backpack essentials checklist.
Picking a bag that lasts past October
Look for a backpack with padded shoulder straps, a sturdy zipper, and enough room for a binder, a laptop or tablet if you carry one, and a water bottle. Two or three compartments help keep things organized. Before buying, try it on with some weight in it, because a bag that feels fine empty can be miserable by mid-week.
The pencil pouch essentials
A zippered pouch keeps small items from sinking to the bottom of your bag. Pack:
- 2-3 pens and a couple of pencils
- An eraser and a small sharpener
- 1-2 highlighters
- A few sticky notes or page flags
Little extras worth tucking inside
- Water bottle: refillable and leak-proof
- Tissues and hand sanitizer: small packs are plenty
- Spare change or a small cash stash: handy for the cafeteria or printing
- A snack: for those long days between classes
- Basic essentials: a few bandages, a hair tie, or any personal items you tend to need
Class-Specific Stuff (Check Before You Buy!)
Some supplies depend entirely on your schedule and your teachers, so this is the section to hold off on until you know what each class needs. These items are on page 2 of your printable, and you can add anything extra on the blank page 3.
Math: calculators, rulers, and graph paper
Most math classes need a scientific calculator, and higher-level courses like algebra 2, pre-calc, or calculus often require a graphing calculator. Teachers usually name the exact model, so check before spending, since graphing calculators can be pricey. A ruler and a pack of graph paper are also handy for geometry and graphing.
Science: lab notebooks and safety goggles
Science classes may ask for a lab notebook (sometimes a specific type, like a composition book) and safety goggles for lab days. Some schools provide goggles, so confirm first. A few colored pencils also come in handy for diagrams in biology and chemistry.
Art, languages, and electives
Electives vary a lot, so wait for your supply list from the teacher:
- Art: sketchbook, drawing pencils, and basic paints or markers
- Languages: a small notebook for vocab, plus flashcards or index cards
- Music or band: an instrument, sheet music folder, and any required accessories
- PE: gym clothes, sneakers, and a small bag or lock for the locker
Nice-to-Haves (But Totally Optional)
These won’t make or break your year, but they can make school life a little smoother and more organized. You’ll find them on page 2 of your printable, so tick off only what you actually want.
Sticky notes and color-coding supplies
Sticky notes and page flags are great for marking key pages, leaving quick reminders, and tagging tricky topics before a test. Color-coding takes it a step further: pick one color per class and use it across your binder tabs, folders, and highlighters. One glance and you know which stuff belongs where.
Locker organizers
If you get a locker, a small shelf, a magnetic pencil cup, or a few hooks can keep things from turning into a pile at the bottom. A mirror and a magnetic whiteboard are fun extras, but they’re definitely not required.
Desk and study space extras
A good study spot at home helps you stay focused. Consider a desk lamp, a small desk organizer for pens and sticky notes, and a simple wall calendar or whiteboard to track deadlines. Headphones or earplugs can also help if your home gets noisy during homework time.
Smart Shopping Tips
Back-to-school spending adds up fast, but a little planning keeps your budget in check.
Shop your own house first
Before you buy anything, check drawers, closets, and last year’s backpack. Half-used notebooks, leftover pens, rulers, and binders often have plenty of life left. Pull everything out, check it against your printable, and only buy what’s actually missing.
Where to find the best deals
Compare prices at big-box stores, dollar stores, and online shops, since basics like pens, folders, and paper are often much cheaper in value packs. Keep an eye out for back-to-school sales, which usually start in summer, and clearance racks once the season winds down. Student discounts and store coupons are worth a quick look too, especially for tech.
When to buy in bulk and when to wait
Buy in bulk: pens, pencils, loose-leaf paper, sticky notes, and highlighters. You’ll use them all year, and they’re cheaper in multipacks.
Wait to buy: calculators, lab supplies, art materials, and anything a teacher might specify. Hold off until you’ve seen the syllabus so you don’t get the wrong version.
Budget-friendly swaps
- Use one multi-subject notebook instead of five separate ones
- Pick a plain binder over a branded or decorated one
- Borrow or buy a used graphing calculator
- Use a basic pencil case instead of a designer one
- Make your own color-coding with colored tape or stickers
Keeping It All Together Through the Year
Getting the right supplies is only half the job. The real challenge is keeping everything in order once school gets busy, and a quick weekly reset goes a long way.
Every Sunday night, spend ten minutes emptying your backpack, tossing old papers, and filing graded work in the right binder or folder. Restock your pencil pouch, check your planner for the week ahead, and make sure your charger and water bottle are ready to go.
Around the end of the first term or semester, do a bigger check. Replace dried-out pens and highlighters, refill your loose-leaf paper, and add new notebooks or folders if you’re running low. Page 3 of your printable is perfect for jotting these restock items down as you notice them.
That’s really all it takes. With a solid list, a few smart shopping choices, and a simple routine, you’ll start the year organized and stay that way. Once your supplies are sorted, our printable college preparation checklist for high school students is a good next step for planning the bigger picture.
Got a supply you swear by? Maybe it’s a favorite pen, a clever locker hack, or a planner that saved your year. Share it in the comments, because your tip might be the one that helps another student.
An Engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor, and animal rights activist. I have more than 5 years of teaching experience and have worked closely with students with learning disorders. I have worked with special educators, counselors, and experts in dealing with common issues that students face during their academic journey.