HANDWRITING & GRAPHOLOGY
Graphology letters A–Z: handwriting analysis reference
Explore handwritten letter anatomy from A to Z. Compare ovals, crossbars, stems, shoulders, dots, upper loops and lower descenders in ordinary writing.
Choose a letter
AOval and finishing stemBUpper stem and body bowlCThe opening of the curveDOval, ascender and proportionEEye, opening and exit strokeFCrossbar and upper and lower extensionsGOval and lower-zone loopHAscender and connecting shoulderIDot position and body strokeJDot and descending strokeKStem, junction and diagonal armsLUpper loop and terminal strokeMNumber, shape and spacing of humpsNShoulder and exit joinOOval closure and attached joinsPBody bowl and descending stemQOval and direction of the lower strokeRShoulder, upstroke and armSUpper curve, lower curve and balanceTCrossbar height, length and directionUTrough, stems and exitVPoint, angle and body widthWTwo troughs and overall rhythmXCrossing point and separate strokesYUpper body and lower returnZDiagonal movement and lower extensions
Compare related letter families
| Forms | Letters | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Ovals | a, c, d, e, o, q | Is the bowl open, closed, narrow or broad? |
| Upper stems | b, f, h, k, l, t | How high is the extension? Is there a loop or crossbar? |
| Lower tails | g, j, p, q, y | How far does the tail descend? Does it return or end openly? |
| Arches and turns | m, n, r, s, u, v, w | Do neighboring forms use rounded curves or pointed turns? |
| Small marks | i, j, t, x | Where does the dot, crossing or crossbar sit relative to the body? |
Use the letter pages with a real sample
- Collect several examples of the same letter from ordinary words.
- Compare the body height, opening, closure and finishing stroke.
- Look at neighboring letters to identify joins and overlapping ink.
- Compare the repeated pattern with size, slant, spacing and baseline.
The diagrams show analysis features, with separate discussions for each letter. Start with a feature you can see clearly rather than assigning a reading from a single unusual stroke.