How to write cursive Z and z
Capital Z is a curve over the top, a long slant down to the left to a sharp turn, and a loop below the baseline. Lowercase z is a rounded hump, a slant down to a small knot just above the baseline, and a loop under the line.
Capital Z
Tall, with a tail below the baseline.
A little below the topline, on the left.
Low on the right, swinging up: the tail reaches a third to half of the way to the midline and runs into the next letter.
Lowercase z
Short, with a tail below the baseline.
About three quarters of the way up to the midline, on the left.
Low on the right, swinging up.
The capital Z has a sharp turn, not a knot, before its lower loop. The lowercase z is the opposite: a small knot above the baseline, then the loop. Watch that turn.
Common mistakes with capital Z
- The lower loop is left out, so the Z is a print Z on a slant.
- The sharp turn is drawn as a big loop, so the middle of the letter becomes a tangle.
- The top curve is flattened into a straight bar, so the Z reads as a 2 or a 7.
Common mistakes with lowercase z
- The z is written as a print z with a tail.
- The tail stays above the baseline, so the letter has no loop and reads as a 3.
- The middle bump is drawn as a big loop, so the z looks like a y with a knot.
Joining z to other letters
Practice these pairs until the join feels like one movement.
Print a practice sheet for Z and z
The sheet has the numbered stroke guide for both letters, rows to trace, two practice words and a blank row for writing on your own.