Handwriting paper — printable lined paper for kids
Blank four-line writing paper: a top line, a dashed midline, a baseline and a faint descender line. Pick the line height for your child's grade and print as many sheets as you need.
Which line height to choose
| Line height | Typical grade | Rows per Letter page (portrait) |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | Pre-K & kindergarten | 5 |
| 3/4" | Kindergarten & 1st grade | 7 |
| 5/8" | 1st & 2nd grade | 8 |
| 1/2" | 2nd & 3rd grade | 11 |
The line height is the distance from the top line to the baseline — the height of a capital letter. Lowercase letters like a, c and e reach the dashed midline; tall letters like b, d and h touch the top line; and g, j, p, q and y hang down to the faint descender line.
Tips for handwriting practice
- Start every letter at the top — most print letters are made with top-to-bottom strokes.
- Leave a finger space between words.
- Turn off the midline once letter sizes are consistent, to move toward regular notebook paper.
- Landscape pages give longer lines for writing sentences; portrait pages give more rows.
Need letters to trace first? Try alphabet tracing worksheets, ABC cards or the cursive alphabet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dashed line in the middle for?
It shows how tall lowercase letters should be. Letters like a, m and o fill the space between the dashed midline and the baseline.
What size handwriting paper is used in kindergarten?
Kindergarten paper is usually ruled 1 inch or 3/4 inch from the top line to the baseline; 1st and 2nd grade often use 5/8 inch; 3rd grade moves to 1/2 inch.
Is the handwriting paper free?
Yes — print as many sheets as you like, at home or for a whole class.