Learn to write the letter Q in cursive in capital and lowercase.
Watch how to write it
Free printable worksheet
Left- and right-hand friendly ยท numbered stroke order and red start dots included ยท three-line ruling with dotted midline.
Watch the animation, print the free worksheet, and follow the step-by-step guide below, plus the accent forms of cursive Q from around the world.
How to write a capital Q in cursive
The cursive Q capital is a large oval, similar to the O, but finished with a distinctive tail. Start near the top, curve up and around counter-clockwise to form the oval, then add a tail that sweeps across the bottom to the right. In some styles the capital Q in cursive famously looks like a large number 2.
- Curve up and around counter-clockwise to make the large oval.
- Finish with a tail that sweeps across the bottom to the right.
How to write a lowercase q in cursive
The lowercase q is a descender. Start just below the midline, make a round bowl to the left (counter-clockwise, like an a), then bring the stroke straight down below the baseline and hook the tail out to the right. The lowercase cursive Q is a bowl with a tail that kicks to the right, the mirror of a g.
- Make the round bowl to the left, counter-clockwise.
- Stroke down below the baseline and hook the tail out to the right.
Common mistakes to avoid
Let the tail drop below the line: the q is a descender, so its tail goes below the baseline. Do not stop it on the line.
q vs g: the tail of a q kicks out to the right, while a g loops back to the left. Watch the tail direction.
Close the bowl: make sure the round part of the q meets its stem, or it can look like a u.
Keep the bowl round: a good cursive Q lowercase has a smooth, round body.
Joining the cursive q
The lowercase q exits from its tail back up toward the baseline, so it links into the next letter. Practise the cursive Q in real words: quit, queen, quick, square, quiet. Notice how the tail carries the pen onward.
Fancy Cursive Q
Looking for a decorative or fancy cursive Q for a name, a bio, or a social media post? Below are several stylish script versions of the letter. Tap any one to copy it, then paste it wherever you like:
These fancy versions are great for signatures and profiles. For handwriting practice, use the clear Q in cursive shapes in the animation and worksheet above.
Q with accents around the world
The letter q rarely takes an accent in everyday writing, and stands almost always beside a u in English words. A few marked or stylised forms appear in specialist alphabets, but for most writing the plain q is what you need.
Explore the full set of accented letters on Letters With Accents.
Copy and paste a cursive Q
Want the plain script letter itself? Tap to copy:
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a capital Q in cursive?
Curve up and around counter-clockwise to make a large oval, then finish with a tail sweeping across the bottom to the right. In some styles the capital Q in cursive looks like a big number 2.
How do you write a lowercase q in cursive?
Make a round bowl to the left, then stroke down below the baseline and hook the tail out to the right. It is a descender, like g, j, p and y.
Why does the cursive q go below the line?
The lowercase q is a descender, so its tail dips below the baseline. That tail is a normal, important part of the letter.
How is a cursive q different from a cursive g?
The tail of a cursive Q kicks out to the right, while a cursive g loops back to the left. The bowls look similar, so the tail tells them apart.