Printable jiu gong ge paper (nine-square grid)
The nine-square grid divides each cell into 3 × 3, a traditional aid for copying model calligraphy and placing each stroke precisely.
9 × 13 squares · 20 mm
Ready-to-print jiu gong ge paper templates
Print one as it is, download the PDF, or load it into the editor above to adjust it first.
Large 20 mm
Small 12 mm
Medium 15 mm
Brush 30 mm
What is jiu gong ge paper?
Jiu gong ge (九宫格) splits every square into a 3 × 3 grid of nine smaller cells. The layout is traditionally attributed to the Tang-dynasty calligrapher Ouyang Xun and is still used for copying model characters: by noting which of the nine cells each stroke passes through, you can reproduce the proportions of the original closely. The center cell marks the heart of the character.
What jiu gong ge paper is used for
- Copying model calligraphy (临帖) with a brush
- Studying character structure and proportion
- Calligraphy classes for children and adults
- Large-character practice with 25–40 mm squares
Jiu gong ge paper on A4, Letter and other paper sizes
| Paper size | Printed area | At default settings |
|---|---|---|
| A4default210 × 297 mm | 190 × 277 mm | 9 × 13 squares · 20 mm |
| US Letter8.5 × 11 in | 195.9 × 259.4 mm | 9 × 12 squares · 20 mm |
| A5148 × 210 mm | 128 × 190 mm | 6 × 9 squares · 20 mm |
| A3297 × 420 mm | 277 × 400 mm | 13 × 20 squares · 20 mm |
| US Legal8.5 × 14 in | 195.9 × 335.6 mm | 9 × 16 squares · 20 mm |
How to print jiu gong ge 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.
Jiu gong ge paper: frequently asked questions
What is jiu gong ge used for?
Mainly for copying calligraphy models: matching where each stroke falls within the nine sections makes proportions easier to reproduce.
How is it different from mi zi ge?
Mi zi ge uses a cross and diagonals through the center. Jiu gong ge uses two lines in each direction, dividing the square into nine equal parts and giving more reference points for complex characters.
Which square size should I print?
20 mm is a good start for pen practice. For brush work, 30–40 mm squares leave room for full strokes.
You might also need
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Mi zi ge paper
Squares with a cross and diagonals for calligraphy.
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Pinyin lines above tian zi ge squares for first graders.
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