Cursive number 3
In cursive, the number 3 takes 1 stroke 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.
Two bumps drawn in one stroke, the top smaller than the bottom.
Stroke by stroke
- Start just below the top line at the middle. Sweep straight down and make a loop that crosses your own line, ending just above the baseline at the left side.
Common mistakes
Flat top, which looks like a 5 or a Z.
3 is most often confused with Z. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
3 in numbers
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.
3 in numbers
Questions about cursive number 3
How many strokes is the number 3 in cursive writing?
1 stroke. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.
Where do I start 3 in cursive?
Start just below the top line at the middle. Sweep straight down and make a loop that crosses your own line, ending just above the baseline at the left side.
Is cursive 3 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 3 confused with?
3 is most often confused with Z. 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 3?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type 333 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.