Cursive number 8
In cursive, the number 8 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.
One stroke shaped like an S that closes, starting in the middle at the top.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the dashed midline at the middle. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending on the dashed midline at the middle.
Common mistakes
Drawing two stacked circles.
8 is most often confused with S. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
8 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.
8 in numbers
Questions about cursive number 8
How many strokes is the number 8 in cursive writing?
1 stroke. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.
Where do I start 8 in cursive?
Start on the dashed midline at the middle. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending on the dashed midline at the middle.
Is cursive 8 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 8 confused with?
8 is most often confused with S. 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 8?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type 888 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.