Cursive t
In cursive, the lowercase letter t takes 2 strokes and is a short letter that sits between the baseline and the midline. 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. In English text t is the number 2 most common letter, at about 9.1% of all letters, so it comes up in nearly every line you write.
A tall stem that stops about two thirds of the way up, then a crossbar added last.
Stroke by stroke
- Start just above the dashed midline at the middle. Curve straight down, ending just above the baseline at the middle.
- Lift your pen and start again on the dashed midline at the left side. Draw a straight line across to the right, ending on the dashed midline at the right side.
Common mistakes
Crossing the t too low, so it looks like an l.
t is most often confused with l. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
Words with t to practise
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.
How t joins to the next letter
In connected cursive the pen leaves t at the midline, a little above the baseline. That exit point decides the connector to the letter that follows. These are the pairs you will write most often.
Words with t to practise
Questions about cursive lowercase t
How many strokes is the lowercase letter t in cursive writing?
2 strokes. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.
Where do I start t in cursive?
Start just above the dashed midline at the middle. Curve straight down, ending just above the baseline at the middle.
Is cursive t 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 t confused with?
t is most often confused with l. 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 t?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type ttt 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.