Cursive alphabet · Letter Z
Cursive Z: How to Write Uppercase & Lowercase Z
Cursive z is a short top stroke, a diagonal and a curved bottom. Some schools teach a version with a descender loop, but this simpler form is the most common.
Cursive Z at a glance
Capital Z
Lowercase z
Numbered dots mark where each stroke begins. The red line is the baseline; the dashed line is the midline. Style: traditional American school cursive, simplified to a single line.
Capital Z in cursive: step by step
- 1Start near the top line on the left and draw a stroke to the right.
- 2Turn and sweep down in a long diagonal to the left of the baseline.
- 3Curve right along the baseline and finish with a short upward flick.
Lowercase z in cursive: step by step
- 1Start at the top left, just under the midline, and draw a short stroke to the right.
- 2Turn sharply and draw a diagonal to the baseline on the left.
- 3Curve right along the baseline and finish with an exit stroke.
Trace cursive Z on screen
Use a finger, stylus or mouse. Start at the numbered dot, follow the dotted guide, then press Check to see how much of the guide you covered.
Capital Z
Trace over the dotted guide with your finger, mouse or stylus.
Lowercase z
Trace over the dotted guide with your finger, mouse or stylus.
How cursive z joins other letters
The z exits at the baseline, so it joins like most other letters. 'zz' is a good drill for the sharp turns.
za
ze
zi
zo
zz
Trace the join: za
Trace over the dotted guide with your finger, mouse or stylus.
Practice words with z
Capitalized names are written the way they would be on a card or label; lowercase words show how the letters link in a line.
Zoe
Zachary
Zurich
zoo
lazy
puzzle
dozen
Want a word of your own? The worksheet generator makes a practice sheet for any name.
Common mistakes with cursive z
A rounded diagonal
The diagonal should be straight. A curved diagonal makes the z look like a 2.
A bottom stroke that is too long
The bottom of the z should be about the same length as the top. A long tail pushes the next letter too far right.
Cursive z vs 2: Cursive z and the numeral 2 are easy to mix up. The z has a straight diagonal and a flat top, while the 2 has a round top.
Cursive Z questions
Do all schools write a cursive z the same way?
No. Some teach a z with a descender loop, similar to the lowercase g. The version here is the simpler one used in many American programs.
Free printable worksheet: cursive Z
One page with capital Z, lowercase z, joins and words to trace, plus blank lines for your own writing. Print it on US Letter or A4.
More practice: the full alphabet practice sheets, or all cursive worksheets.