Chinese Character Grid Paper
Print 米字格, 田字格 or empty character boxes for handwriting practice. Pick cell size and guide style, add a tint or border if you like, then download a PDF or print at actual size.
Print at “Actual size” or 100% scale so the spacing comes out exactly as set. Everything is made in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Ready-made Character grid PDFs
Just need one sheet? Download a finished template in Letter or A4.
米字格 2 cm 
田字格 2 cm 
米字格 1.5 cm 
空白方框 2 cm Paper style templates
Browse 50+ tint and border styles, then reuse them here—or pick a custom color and upload your own background image in the Background panel.
How to make Character grid
- Pick a grid style 米字格 adds cross and diagonal guides; 田字格 adds a midline cross; empty boxes leave the square blank.
- Choose character size Common practice sizes are 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm or 3 cm. Or enter a custom size in millimetres. Set guide lines to dashed or solid.
- Style the page Prefer A4 for Chinese exercise books (Letter works too). Set line color, a soft tint or custom color, a decorative border (including bamboo or plum), or upload a background image, plus an optional name header.
- Print or download Print at Actual size / 100% so each box keeps the exact centimetre size.
米字格, 田字格 and empty boxes
Chinese handwriting practice usually starts with a square character box. Inside the box, light guide lines help keep strokes centered and balanced:
| Style | Guides | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 米字格 | Cross + two diagonals (like the character 米) | Beginners learning stroke placement and slant |
| 田字格 | Horizontal and vertical midlines (like 田) | Everyday copywork once proportions feel familiar |
| Empty boxes | Outer square only | Independent writing without guide clutter |
Which cell size?
Primary grades often use 1.5–2 cm boxes; larger 2.5–3 cm boxes suit preschool or brush-pen practice. Print at Actual size so a 2 cm setting really measures 2 cm on the page.
Tips for practice
- Write one character per box; leave a blank row between words if you are copying sentences.
- Start with 米字格 for new characters, then move to 田字格, then empty boxes.
- Dashed guides are quieter on the page; switch to solid if students need stronger midlines.
- Pair this blank grid with the name or word tracing tools when you want dotted guide characters on top.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 米字格 and 田字格?
Both are square character boxes. 田字格 has a + cross through the middle. 米字格 adds two diagonals as well, so it looks like the character 米. Empty boxes leave only the outer square.
What size should the boxes be?
2 cm is a common school size. Use 1.5 cm for denser pages, or 2.5–3 cm for younger writers.
Can I print on A4?
Yes. Choose A4 under Paper size. That is the usual size for Chinese exercise books; Letter is available too.
Can I change the guide lines or add a background?
Yes. Set Guide lines to dashed or solid. Under Background you can add a page tint, custom color, decorative border or upload an image.
Why are my boxes smaller than expected?
The printer is probably scaling the page. Choose Actual size or 100% scale, not Fit to page.