HSK 3.0 handwriting characters, level by level
The syllabus separates characters you must recognise from characters you must be able to write. The handwriting list is much shorter.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Level | Handwriting | Recognition (total) | Write vs recognise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 100 (Levels 1–2 together) | 371 | 100 / 371 |
| 3 | 150 (250 cumulative) | 655 | 250 / 655 |
| 4 | 150 (400 cumulative) | 1,096 | 400 / 1,096 |
| 5 | 150 (550 cumulative) | 1,527 | 550 / 1,527 |
| 6 | 150 (700 cumulative) | 1,940 | 700 / 1,940 |
| 7–9 | 500 (1,200 cumulative) | 3,088 | 1,200 / 3,088 |
Counts from the official syllabus character lists (counted from serial numbers).
Where the exam tests writing characters
Level 2 (10 minutes)
- 51–55 Character writing part 1: complete characters by choosing the missing component (the sample shows radicals such as 子 and 氵)
- 56–60 Character writing part 2: write the character for the pinyin shown in a sentence
Level 3 (20 minutes)
- 61–65 Writing part 1: write the character for the pinyin given in a sentence
- 66–70 Writing part 2: write a sentence about a picture using a given word
From Level 4 the writing section asks for sentences and texts (80 characters at Level 4, up to 600 at Levels 7–9), so you produce characters in context rather than one at a time.
Paper or computer?
On the paper-based test you write by hand. On the computer-based test you enter answers on screen; use the official try-the-test system to see how character input works before you choose.
How to study the handwriting list
- Learn to write only the handwriting list for your level; for the rest, recognition is enough.
- Practise components early: the Level 2 sample asks you to pick the missing part of a character.
- For Level 3, drill pinyin-to-character in sentences, the way items 61–65 are set.
- Watch homophones such as 的 / 得 / 地 and 在 / 再, a common source of lost marks.
Words per level vs HSK 2.0 → · Writing tasks in detail → · Official lists →
Frequently asked
How many characters do I need to write for HSK 1 (3.0)?
100 handwriting characters for Levels 1–2 together (recognition: 246 at Level 1).
How many characters must I write for HSK 4 (3.0)?
400 handwriting characters in total (150 new at Level 4); 1,096 recognition characters.
How many handwriting characters are in HSK 3.0?
1,200 by Levels 7–9.
Our HSK 4 papers are original and follow the HSK 3.0 Level 4 written structure (70 items). Instant mock score, section drills, a mistake bank and an 8-item daily set. Not past papers, never recalled papers.
Keep reading
Official sources
- Official new HSK syllabus (CLEC, published 2025-11, in force 2026-07), PDF
- Official HSK 3.0 sample paper pack (written + speaking papers, answers, audio), ZIP
- Official HSK 3.0 try-the-test system (international entry)
Checked 2026-11-13. HSK Sprint is an independent study service, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation (CLEC / 语合中心), Chinese Testing International or the official HSK. All papers and audio are original. Always confirm details with chinesetest.cn and your test centre.