A stamped grid for a lead-acid battery having a grid pattern that is optimized for electrical performance. The stamped grid includes an electrically conductive grid body having opposed top and bottom frame elements, opposed first and second side frame elements and a plurality of interconnecting grid wire elements forming a grid pattern. The grid wire elements include a plurality of vertical wire elements connected to both top and bottom frame elements, a plurality of vertical wire elements connected to the top frame element and one of either the first or second side frame elements and a plurality of cross grid elements that interconnect the vertical wire elements. Each of the vertical grid elements that is connected to the top frame element and one of either the first or second side frame elements includes a plurality of the cross frame elements connected thereto at a substantially 90° angle. Optionally, the cross grid elements in the middle portion of the grid are arranged in an offset or staggered relationship. The vertical grid elements and the cross frame elements define open areas for supporting electrochemical paste where most of the open areas are within the two percent of being the same size.