Cursive Alphabet Letters A–Z: Uppercase & Lowercase

In handwriting education, cursive letters are grouped by the vertical guidelines they occupy. Standard school paper uses three main lines: the headline (top), midline (middle dashed), and baseline (bottom solid line).

1. Midline Letters (x-height)

Letters that stay strictly between the baseline and dashed midline:

13 of 26 letters (50%)

2. Ascending Letters

Letters that start at the baseline and reach all the way up to the top headline:

7 of 26 letters (27%)

3. Descending Letters

Letters with tails that extend below the baseline to the descender line:

7 of 26 letters (27%) • note f both ascends & descends

Direct Alphabet Directory (A–Z)

4 Cursive Connection Patterns Used in This Model

The school-style model used on CursiveABC groups joins by the exit position of the first letter and the entry stroke of the next. Other curricula may teach accepted variations.

1. Baseline-to-Midline Connections

In this model, letters such as a, c, d, e, h, i, k, l, m, n, s, t, u, x exit with a curved stroke at the baseline that sweeps upward to meet the following letter's entry stroke.

2. High Midline Bridge Connections

The forms shown here for b, o, v, w finish with a horizontal bridge at the dashed midline. The following letter begins from that higher exit rather than returning to the baseline first.

3. Descender Loop Connections

In the CursiveABC model, g, j, y, z use descender movements below the baseline before returning upward to continue into the next letter.

4. Lifting the Pen (Non-Connecting)

For the capital forms shown here, B, D, F, I, O, P, T, V, W are followed by a pen lift. Complete the capital, then begin the lowercase letter separately at its entry point.

A practical order for learning the cursive alphabet

Alphabetical order is useful for reference, but movement families are often easier for practice. Start with letters that repeat the same motion, then add taller forms, descenders, and capitals.

1. Undercurve rhythmBegin with i, u, w, and t to practice light entry strokes and repeated downstrokes.

2. Oval familyUse a, c, d, g, and o to keep round shapes closed and even.

3. Humps and loopsMove to m, n, h, b, k, and l while keeping humps separate and ascenders consistent.

4. Descenders and capitalsAdd f, j, p, q, y, and z, then study capitals as distinct forms that may require a pen lift.

Frequently asked alphabet questions

Should I learn uppercase or lowercase cursive first?

Lowercase letters usually come first because they appear more often and teach the joins used inside words. Add capitals once the basic lowercase rhythm is comfortable.

Do all cursive letters connect?

Lowercase letters normally connect within a word, but the exact join depends on the exit and entry strokes. Some capital forms are commonly followed by a pen lift.

Why does a cursive letter look different elsewhere?

Cursive systems vary. Compare movement and line placement, then stay consistent with the model used by your teacher or curriculum.

Use the reference, instruction, and practice resources together for a complete learning path.

How to Write Learn posture, strokes, joins, and practice order. Uppercase Letters Study capital forms and where to lift the pen. Lowercase Letters Practice movement families and connecting strokes. Practice Sheets Build printable trace, copy, and freehand drills. Alphabet Chart Use a compact A–Z desk reference. Printable Alphabet Print or save the full alphabet from your browser.