Print l
In print, the lowercase letter l takes 1 stroke 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 l is the number 11 most common letter, at about 4% of all letters, so it comes up in most paragraphs.
A tall loop with no belly: up to the top line, back down the same path, and out.
Stroke by stroke
- Start on the top line at the middle. Draw a straight line straight down, ending on the baseline at the middle.
Common mistakes
A loop that is too fat and reads as an e.
l is most often confused with e. Put them side by side and check the first stroke: the starting point and the height are what separate them.
Words with l 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 l to practise
Questions about print lowercase l
How many strokes is the lowercase letter l in print writing?
1 stroke. Keep going without lifting unless the instructions say so.
Where do I start l in print?
Start on the top line at the middle. Draw a straight line straight down, ending on the baseline at the middle.
Is print l 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 l confused with?
l is most often confused with e. 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 l?
Yes. Open the worksheet maker, type lll 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.