Cursive capital X

In cursive, the capital letter X takes 2 strokes and is a tall letter that reaches the top line. The model on this page is US Traditional, the connected style most American classrooms teach: the pen stays on the paper inside a word, and every letter is drawn to flow into the next. Press Play to watch the letter write itself, then use Step to move one stroke at a time. Capitals start every sentence and every name, so X deserves its own practice even though it is rarer than its lowercase partner.

Two curved strokes drawn separately and crossing in the middle.

Stroke by stroke

Start on the top line at the left side. Curve down and to the right, ending just above the baseline at the right side.
Lift your pen and start again on the top line at the right side. Draw a straight line down and to the left, ending on the baseline at the left side.

Print a practice sheet

Common mistakes

Using straight diagonals.

X is most often confused with Y. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.

Names that start with X

Practice

Trace on screen first: press Trace it above and follow the grey letter. Then print the sheet and write the same letter on paper. Writing on paper is what builds the habit.

Open the worksheet

How X joins to the next letter

In connected cursive the pen leaves X at the baseline. That exit point decides the connector to the letter that follows. These are the pairs you will write most often.

Xa: a rising join: the connector climbs from the baseline to the next letter's start; the a starts at the midline

Xe: a low join: the connector runs along the baseline; the e starts at the baseline

Xo: a rising join: the connector climbs from the baseline to the next letter's start; the o starts at the midline

Xr: a low join: the connector runs along the baseline; the r starts at the baseline

Xu: a rising join: the connector climbs from the baseline to the next letter's start; the u starts at the midline

Xi: a rising join: the connector climbs from the baseline to the next letter's start; the i starts at the midline

Questions about cursive capital x

How many strokes is the capital letter X in cursive writing?

2 strokes. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.

Where do I start X in cursive?

Start on the top line at the left side. Curve down and to the right, ending just above the baseline at the right side.

Is cursive X the same in every school?

US Traditional cursive is the connected style most American schools teach. Teachers may use a different model, such as D'Nealian or Zaner-Bloser, so a few letters (the capital G, Q and Z especially) can differ from your school's handbook.

What letter is X confused with?

X is most often confused with Y. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.

Can I print a practice sheet for X?

Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type Xx or a whole word, pick a line size, and print. The sheet has a dark model row, grey tracing rows, dotted rows and blank lines.