diff --git a/docs/layout/grid.md b/docs/layout/grid.md
index a69e10b84a..2dd86970e9 100644
--- a/docs/layout/grid.md
+++ b/docs/layout/grid.md
@@ -459,7 +459,18 @@ Easily change the order of our built-in grid columns with `.push-md-*` and `.pul
 
 Using our built-in grid Sass variables and maps, it's possible to completely customize the predefined grid classes. Change the number of tiers, the media query dimensions, and the container widths—then recompile.
 
-For example, if you wanted just three grid tiers, you'd update the `$grid-breakpoints` and `$container-max-widths` to something like this:
+### Columns and gutters
+
+The number of grid columns and their horizontal padding (aka, gutters) can be modified via Sass variables. `$grid-columns` is used to generate the widths (in percent) of each individual column while `$grid-gutter-width` is divided evenly across `padding-left` and `padding-right` for the column gutters.
+
+{% highlight scss %}
+$grid-columns: 12;
+$grid-gutter-width: 30px;
+{% endhighlight %}
+
+### Grid tiers
+
+Moving beyond the columns themselves, you may also customize the number of grid tiers. If you wanted just three grid tiers, you'd update the `$grid-breakpoints` and `$container-max-widths` to something like this:
 
 {% highlight scss %}
 $grid-breakpoints: (
@@ -475,4 +486,4 @@ $container-max-widths: (
 );
 {% endhighlight %}
 
-Save your changes and recompile to have a brand new set of predefined grid classes for column widths, offsets, pushes, and pulls. Responsive visibility utilities will also be updated to use the custom breakpoints.
+When making any changes to the Sass variables or maps, you'll need to save your changes and recompile. Doing so will out a brand new set of predefined grid classes for column widths, offsets, pushes, and pulls. Responsive visibility utilities will also be updated to use the custom breakpoints.