Printable tian zi ge paper for Chinese character practice
The classic grid for learning to write Chinese characters: a dashed cross splits each square into four, so every stroke lands in the right place.
12 × 18 squares · 15 mm
Ready-to-print tian zi ge paper templates
Print one as it is, download the PDF, or load it into the editor above to adjust it first.
Medium 15 mm
Small 12 mm
Large 20 mm
Brush 30 mm
What is tian zi ge paper?
Tian zi ge (田字格) is practice paper made of squares, each divided into four equal parts by a dashed horizontal and vertical line, the same shape as the character 田. The guides show where each stroke starts and ends, helping learners keep characters centered and well proportioned. It is the first writing paper children use in Chinese schools and the standard choice for adults learning Chinese.
What tian zi ge paper is used for
- First-grade Chinese writing practice at school and at home
- Learning Chinese characters as a second language
- Hard-pen calligraphy with pencils and fountain pens
- Copying characters from textbooks and flashcards
Tian zi ge paper on A4, Letter and other paper sizes
| Paper size | Printed area | At default settings |
|---|---|---|
| A4default210 × 297 mm | 190 × 277 mm | 12 × 18 squares · 15 mm |
| US Letter8.5 × 11 in | 195.9 × 259.4 mm | 13 × 17 squares · 15 mm |
| A5148 × 210 mm | 128 × 190 mm | 8 × 12 squares · 15 mm |
| A3297 × 420 mm | 277 × 400 mm | 18 × 26 squares · 15 mm |
| US Legal8.5 × 14 in | 195.9 × 335.6 mm | 13 × 22 squares · 15 mm |
How to print tian zi 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.
Tian zi ge paper: frequently asked questions
What square size should I choose?
Young children usually start with 15–20 mm squares. 12 mm suits pencil practice for older students, and 30 mm or larger works for brush calligraphy.
What is the difference between tian zi ge, mi zi ge and jiu gong ge?
Tian zi ge splits each square into four with a cross. Mi zi ge adds two diagonals, which helps with slanted strokes. Jiu gong ge divides the square 3 × 3 and is used mostly for copying brush calligraphy.
Can I add pinyin lines above the squares?
Yes. Turn on “Pinyin lines above each row” to add a four-line pinyin band over every row, or use the pinyin tian zi ge template, which has it on already.