Printable Chinese composition paper with word counts
The essay paper used in Chinese schools: one character per square, a small gap between rows, and a running count every 100 squares so you can see the length at a glance.
20 per row × 22 rows = 440 squares
Ready-to-print chinese composition paper templates
Print one as it is, download the PDF, or load it into the editor above to adjust it first.
Standard · 20 per row
Small · 25 per row
Large · 15 per row
What is chinese composition paper?
Chinese composition paper (作文纸, also called 稿纸) is ruled into rows of squares, one for each character or punctuation mark. Because every character takes one square, the paper doubles as a word counter: small numbers at 100, 200, 300 and so on show how long an essay is. With 20 squares per row, an A4 page holds about 400–440 characters.
What chinese composition paper is used for
- Chinese essays and compositions for school
- Timed writing practice with a word limit
- Neat final copies of letters, diaries and short stories
- Practicing even character size and spacing
Chinese composition paper on A4, Letter and other paper sizes
| Paper size | Printed area | At default settings |
|---|---|---|
| A4default210 × 297 mm | 190 × 277 mm | 20 per row × 22 rows = 440 squares |
| US Letter8.5 × 11 in | 195.9 × 259.4 mm | 20 per row × 20 rows = 400 squares |
| A5148 × 210 mm | 128 × 190 mm | 20 per row × 20 rows = 400 squares |
| A3297 × 420 mm | 277 × 400 mm | 20 per row × 23 rows = 460 squares |
| US Legal8.5 × 14 in | 195.9 × 335.6 mm | 20 per row × 26 rows = 520 squares |
How to print chinese composition paper at actual size
- 01
Click “Download PDF” and open the file in your PDF viewer.
- 02
In the print dialog, set the scale to 100% or “Actual size”, not “Fit to page”.
- 03
Choose the paper size that matches your settings and print. Measure one square or line with a ruler to check.
Chinese composition paper: frequently asked questions
How many characters fit on a page?
With the standard 20 squares per row, an A4 page holds about 400–440 characters. Change the squares per row or the row gap to adjust.
How are the word counts placed?
Squares are counted from the first one, row by row. Every 100th square gets a small 100, 200, 300… under its lower-right corner.
Do punctuation marks take a square?
Yes. In Chinese compositions each punctuation mark normally takes its own square, so the count reflects the full length of the essay.