Printable handwriting paper with a dashed midline
A top line, dashed midline and baseline guide young writers to form letters at the right height. Start with 3/4 inch rows and move to 1/2 inch as handwriting gets smaller.
10 rows · 0.375″ line gap
Ready-to-print handwriting paper templates
Print one as it is, download the PDF, or load it into the editor above to adjust it first.
Primary 3/4″
Four lines · standard
Four lines · large
Primary 1/2″
What is handwriting paper?
Primary handwriting paper, also called kindergarten writing paper, has rows made of a solid top line, a dashed midline and a solid baseline. Capital and tall letters touch the top line, lowercase letters reach the dashed midline, and the tails of letters like g and y drop below the baseline into the space between rows. Wider rows suit kindergarten; narrower rows suit older children.
What handwriting paper is used for
- Kindergarten and first-grade letter formation
- Practicing names, sight words and short sentences
- Handwriting worksheets for homeschool
- Occupational therapy and fine-motor practice
Handwriting paper on A4, Letter and other paper sizes
| Paper size | Printed area | At default settings |
|---|---|---|
| US Letterdefault8.5 × 11 in | 7.5 × 10 in | 10 rows · 0.375″ line gap |
| A4210 × 297 mm | 7.2677 × 10.6929 in | 10 rows · 0.375″ line gap |
| A5148 × 210 mm | 4.8268 × 7.2677 in | 7 rows · 0.375″ line gap |
| A3297 × 420 mm | 10.6929 × 15.5354 in | 15 rows · 0.375″ line gap |
| US Legal8.5 × 14 in | 7.5 × 13 in | 13 rows · 0.375″ line gap |
How to print handwriting 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.
Handwriting paper: frequently asked questions
Which ruling is best for kindergarten?
3/4 inch rows (with the midline 3/8 inch below the top) are common for kindergarten. First and second graders often move to 5/8 or 1/2 inch.
Can I turn off the red baseline?
Yes. Untick “Red baseline” to print every line in the same color.
Can I print it on A4 paper?
Yes. Change the page size to A4 in Page setup and the rows refit the page automatically.