Letter Z: Sounds, Words and How to Write It
Z is the 26th letter of the English alphabet. It is the very last letter, and comes after Y. Z is a consonant. The capital (uppercase) letter is Z and the small (lowercase) letter is z.
How to write it · Sounds · Words · Printable sheet · Quiz · FAQ
Last updated: October 2026
Letter Z at a Glance
| Position | 26th of 26 letters |
|---|---|
| Type | Consonant |
| Uppercase and lowercase | Z z |
| Comes between | Y and (end) |
| Main sound | z |
| Strokes to write it | Capital Z: 1 · small z: 1 |
How to Write Capital Z and Small z
Follow the numbers: start each stroke at its numbered dot and move in the direction of the arrow. The blue top line, dashed middle line and red bottom line match the lines on handwriting paper.
Capital Z (1 stroke)
- Draw a line across the top, going right.
- Draw a slanted line down to the bottom left.
- Draw a line across the bottom, going right.
Small z (1 stroke)
- Make the same zigzag shape, but smaller, between the middle line and the bottom line.
Small z is a short letter: it sits between the dashed middle line and the bottom line, like a, c and o.
Common mix-up: Z is often written backwards, like the letter S turned sideways, or confused with the number 2. Z has straight lines and sharp corners.
Practice by tracing in the letter tracing game, then on paper with the Alphabet Tracing and Lowercase Letter Tracing worksheets.
Free Printable Letter Z Tracing Sheet
Print this one-page sheet for practice at home or in class. Each row starts with a solid model letter, followed by dotted letters to trace, then empty lines to write Z and z alone.
What Sound Does Z Make?
- z: a buzzing sound, like a bee, with your teeth close together and your voice switched on. Examples: zebra, zoo, zip, buzz.
Words That Start With Z
Z is for Zebra! Here are more Z words:
Z also appears in the middle or at the end of words: buzz, pizza, lizard, puzzle, fizz.
Interesting Facts About Z
- Z is the 26th and last letter of the alphabet.
- Z is called "zee" in the United States and "zed" in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and many other countries.
- Z and S are made in the same place. Z uses your voice and buzzes, and S just hisses.
Quick Quiz: Letter Z
Answer each question, then tap it to check.
Which letter comes right before Z?
Y.
Is Z the first or last letter of the alphabet?
The last, the 26th.
What sound does z make?
A buzzing z sound, like a bee: zzz.
Activities for Parents and Teachers
In the Classroom
Buzz around the room like bees while chanting "Z is for zebra!" Then draw big zigzag lines on paper together, tracing the same three-stroke shape as the letter Z itself.
At Home
Look up pictures of zebras together while saying "Z is for zebra," pointing out their black-and-white zigzag stripes. Afterward, trace the letter Z on paper, counting its three straight strokes.
Tips
Parents: Reaching Z is worth celebrating! Consider a small "we finished the alphabet" moment, like a certificate or reviewing a few favorite letters together.
Teachers: Z's zigzag shape makes a great fine-motor tracing exercise — have children draw zigzags of different sizes before moving to the letter itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What number letter is Z in the alphabet?
Z is the 26th letter of the 26-letter English alphabet. It is the very last letter, and comes after Y.
Is Z a vowel or a consonant?
Z is a consonant. All letters except the vowels A, E, I, O and U are consonants (Y can be both).
What sound does the letter Z make?
Z makes this sound: z as in zebra.
How do you write a small z?
Make the same zigzag shape, but smaller, between the middle line and the bottom line. Small z is a short letter: it sits between the dashed middle line and the bottom line, like a, c and o.
What are some words that start with Z?
Words that start with Z include zebra, zoo, zip, zero, zigzag, zucchini.
Is it zee or zed?
Both are correct. Americans say zee, and people in the UK, Canada, Australia, India and many other countries say zed.
Summary
Z is the 26th letter of the alphabet and is a consonant. Its main sound is z. Capital Z takes 1 stroke and small z takes 1. You have reached the end of the alphabet. Go back to the alphabet page to review any letter.