Printable Handwriting Paper
Primary handwriting lines with a solid top line, dashed midline and red baseline. Choose the line size for your child’s grade and add a picture box for story paper.
1 page
Print at “Actual size” for the exact line height. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
How to make handwriting paper
- Choose the line size Extra large for Pre-K, medium for kindergarten, smaller for grades 1 and 2.
- Add a picture box Turn it on to make story paper: draw at the top, write below.
- Set the header and pages Name and date line, an optional title and up to 20 pages.
- Print Download the PDF or print it directly at actual size.
Why young writers need special lines
Ordinary notebook paper has one line per row, which gives no help with letter size. Handwriting paper for beginners has three lines per row:
- Top line (solid): tall letters like b, d, h, k, l and all capitals touch it.
- Midline (dashed): small letters like a, c, e, m, n, o, r, s, u reach it.
- Baseline (red): every letter sits on it; g, j, p, q and y hang below.
Those three guides teach the difference between tall, small and descending letters, which is the key to neat handwriting.
Which line size for which age?
| Setting | Top line to baseline | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Extra large | 1.5 in | Pre-K, first attempts at writing |
| Large | 1.25 in | Pre-K and early kindergarten |
| Medium | 1 in | Kindergarten |
| Small | 3/4 in | Grade 1 |
| Extra small | 1/2 in | Grade 2 and up |
These are guidelines. If your child's letters are crowding the lines, go one size larger; if they float in the middle, go one size smaller.
Story paper
Turn on the picture box to get primary story paper: a large frame at the top for a drawing and handwriting lines below. Children draw first and then write a sentence or two about their picture. It is a favourite format for journal writing, book responses and “what I did this weekend” pages.
Printing tips
Print at “Actual size” so the lines keep their exact spacing. For daily practice, put a page in a sheet protector and write on it with a dry-erase marker.
Guides
Frequently asked questions
What is primary handwriting paper?
Paper with a solid top line, a dashed midline and a baseline for each row, so young children can see how tall each letter should be.
What size handwriting lines should a kindergartener use?
Most kindergartners do well with lines about 1 inch from the top line to the baseline. Use larger lines for Pre-K and smaller for first grade.
Can I add a space for drawing?
Yes. Turn on “Picture box at the top” to make primary story paper.
Can I print several pages at once?
Yes. Set the number of pages from 1 to 20 and they are all included in one PDF.
Is it the same as regular lined paper?
No. Regular lined paper has a single line per row. For notebook-style lined paper, use a regular lined paper template; this page is designed for children learning to write.
Name tracing 
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