How to Write Cursive Z and z
Stroke-by-stroke steps for capital Z and lowercase z, shown in six real cursive fonts.
This page shows how to form the cursive capital Z and lowercase z, how z joins to the letters around it, and the mistake learners make most often. Below you will find the letter drawn in six open-source cursive fonts, a live preview where you can type your own words, and a free printable tracing worksheet for Z and z.
Type some text to begin.
Printable Cursive Worksheet (PDF)
Four-line handwriting rows: ascender line, dashed midline, baseline and descender line. Your text is printed as a model row with light gray tracing rows.
Quick answer
Draw a short top stroke, a diagonal down to the left and a looping descender below the baseline in cursive styles. Overcurve to the midline, come down to the baseline, make a small loop and drop a descender loop below the baseline.
Key facts
- Letter: capital Z and lowercase z
- Lowercase z drops below the baseline (a descender letter).
- Exit stroke: from the baseline (a low join).
- Examples: six open-source cursive fonts
- Practice: free printable PDF, US Letter or A4
Cursive Zz in six real fonts
The same letters look noticeably different from one cursive style to another. School-style fonts such as Courgette and Dancing Script are the easiest to copy; formal scripts such as Great Vibes and Pinyon Script add loops and contrast. Each example below is drawn from the font's actual glyph outlines.
How it works
Watch the shapes
Compare Z and z in the six fonts above.
Trace
Download the worksheet and trace the model row.
Join
Write z inside short words to practise joins.
How to write a cursive capital Z
Draw a short top stroke, a diagonal down to the left and a looping descender below the baseline in cursive styles.
How to write a cursive lowercase z
Overcurve to the midline, come down to the baseline, make a small loop and drop a descender loop below the baseline.
Lowercase z drops below the baseline (a descender letter).
Joining z to other letters
The cursive z often has a descender, unlike the print z. Exit stroke: from the baseline (a low join).
Most common mistake with cursive z
Writing a print z inside cursive words, which breaks the flow.
Practise Z and z
Trace the model row slowly, then write a row from memory. Next, practise z inside short words, joining it to the letters before and after. Use the font previews to compare styles, and the Printable worksheet tab to download a US Letter or A4 PDF with large, medium or small rows.
Frequently asked questions
Is cursive Z written the same way in every style?
No. School styles such as D'Nealian and Zaner-Bloser differ in small details, and decorative scripts add loops. Follow the style your school uses; the shapes on this page show the most common forms.
How do I practise cursive z quickly?
Trace one row of z, write one row from memory, then write three short words that contain z. Ten minutes a day is enough.
Is the Zz worksheet free?
Yes. Type Zz or any words in the box and download a printable PDF without signing up.
Print a free Zz worksheet
Large rows for kids, smaller rows for adults, US Letter or A4.
Practise Zz now →