The default for gridlines is off. Gridlines are used to distinguish between cells. They do not print unless you choose to print them or you change the default permanently. Another default that is commonly changed is the page orientation. Portrait orientation is taller than it is wide, just like a painting of someone's portrait.
Landscape orientation is wider than it is tall, just like a painting of a landscape.
In order to save time and paper, always preview a file before printing. I hope you enjoy working with Excel. It is a great program.