N in Cursive: How to Write It
Lowercase n is the single arch that m repeats. Two hills, not three. Point the hill and it starts to look like a printed n or a hasty r.
n
The letterforms on this page are rendered in Cedarville Cursive, an open-source font — school styles like Zaner-Bloser or D'Nealian differ in details. Treat the steps as the source of truth for stroke order; let the sample show you one possible shape.
Write it step by step
- 1Start the cursive n on the baseline and swing up to the midline for the entry arch.
- 2Come down, then swing up and over a second arch, the same height, peaking at the midline.
- 3Bring that arch down to the baseline and exit right. Stop. A third arch would make it m.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Adding a third hump. Count: entry, one arch, exit. Three peaks means you wrote m.
- A sharp peak. The top of n is round. A point belongs to r, and only as a small hook.
- Arches of different heights. Both peaks sit on the midline, not one on the headline.
Practice words
and · in · not · one · friend
Turn this letter into a practice sheet
Opens a cursive tracing sheet with this lesson's words filled in. Download the PDF and print it.
See this letter on the alphabet chart and download the sheet →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between cursive n and m?
One arch versus two, after the shared entry. If you are unsure, count the peaks before you lift the pen. n has two, m has three.
Does cursive n connect?
Yes, along the baseline on both sides. The letter is a traveling wave, which is why in and and feel smooth once the arch is round.
Why does my n look like h?
h has a loop that reaches the headline before the arch. n never goes above the midline. If you climbed to the top line, you started an h.
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