Print b
In print, the lowercase letter b 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. In English text b is the number 20 most common letter, at about 1.5% of all letters, so it comes up in fewer words than most letters.
The loop goes up before the bowl: climb to the top line, trace back down the same path, then curve out for the belly.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the top line at the left side. Draw a straight line straight down, ending on the baseline at the left side.
- Lift your pen and start again just below the dashed midline at the left side. Go all the way round in a closed oval and meet your starting point, ending just below the dashed midline at the left side.
Common mistakes
Making the bowl a separate circle, which turns it into a printed b.
b is most often confused with h. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
Words with b to practise
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.
Words with b to practise
Questions about print lowercase b
How many strokes is the lowercase letter b in print writing?
2 strokes. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.
Where do I start b in print?
Start on the top line at the left side. Draw a straight line straight down, ending on the baseline at the left side.
Is print b 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 b confused with?
b is most often confused with h. 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 b?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type bbb 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.