Learn to write the letter X 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 X from around the world.
How to write a capital X in cursive
The cursive X capital is written in two strokes. First, draw the main curved stroke from the top down to the baseline, giving it a graceful bow. Then lift the pen and add a second diagonal stroke from the top right down to the lower left, crossing the first. The capital X in cursive is one of the few capitals that lifts the pen.
- Draw the main curved stroke from the top down to the baseline. Lift the pen.
- Cross it with a second diagonal from the top right down to the lower left.
How to write a lowercase x in cursive
The lowercase x is also two strokes. Start with the main stroke from the top, curving down to the baseline, then lift the pen and add a short diagonal from the upper right down to the lower left to cross it. The lowercase cursive X is the only short letter that is normally crossed like this.
- Draw the main stroke from the top down to the baseline. Lift the pen.
- Cross it with a short diagonal from the upper right to the lower left.
Common mistakes to avoid
Cross it last: like the t and i, write the main stroke first and add the crossing stroke after, often after finishing the word.
Two strokes: the cursive X lifts the pen between the two diagonals.
Keep the cross centred: the two strokes should meet near the middle so the x looks balanced.
Stay short: the lowercase x stays between the baseline and the midline.
Joining the cursive x
The lowercase x is uncommon inside words, but it still links to its neighbours. Practise the cursive X in real words: ox, fox, six, exit, extra. Remember to add the crossing stroke after the main shape.
Fancy Cursive X
Looking for a decorative or fancy cursive X 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 X in cursive shapes in the animation and worksheet above.
X with accents around the world
The letter x rarely takes an accent in everyday writing, though marked forms appear in phonetic transcription and a few minority-language alphabets. For most writing the plain x is what you need.
Explore the full set of accented letters on Letters With Accents.
Copy and paste a cursive X
Want the plain script letter itself? Tap to copy:
Frequently asked questions
How do you write a capital X in cursive?
Draw the main curved stroke from the top to the baseline, then lift the pen and cross it with a second diagonal from the top right to the lower left. The capital X in cursive uses two strokes.
How do you write a lowercase x in cursive?
Draw the main stroke from the top to the baseline, then lift the pen and add a short diagonal from the upper right to the lower left to cross it.
When do you cross the x in cursive?
After the main stroke, and often after finishing the word, the same way you dot i's and cross t's at the end.
Is the cursive x one stroke or two?
Two. Both the capital and lowercase cursive X have a main stroke and a crossing stroke, with a pen lift between them.