Print capital Q
In print, the capital letter Q takes 2 strokes and is a tall letter that reaches the top line. Print letters (also called manuscript) are built from straight lines and circles, drawn top to bottom and left to right, with a lift of the pencil between strokes. This is the order most kindergarten and first-grade programs teach, so it is a good model for a child who is just starting. Capitals start every sentence and every name, so Q deserves its own practice even though it is rarer than its lowercase partner.
A big O with a tail that crosses the bottom and sweeps right. Many people confuse it with the number 2.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the top line at the middle. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending on the top line at the middle.
- Lift your pen and start again just below the dashed midline at the middle. Draw a straight line down and to the right, ending on the baseline at the right side.
Common mistakes
Making the tail too short.
Q is most often confused with 2. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
Names that start with Q
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.
Questions about print capital q
How many strokes is the capital letter Q in print writing?
2 strokes. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.
Where do I start Q in print?
Start on the top line at the middle. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending on the top line at the middle.
Is print Q the same in every school?
Most programs agree on the shape, but some teach the stroke order differently. This page follows one common top-to-bottom, left-to-right order and says so, so if your school's handbook differs, follow the handbook.
What letter is Q confused with?
Q is most often confused with 2. 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 Q?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type Qq 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.