HSK 3.0 word and character counts, level by level
We counted these from the serial numbers in the word and character lists of the official syllabus PDF. Download the official PDF for the full lists; we do not republish them.
Unofficial study site · every figure links to an official source
| Level | New words | Cumulative | New recognition chars | Cumulative | Handwriting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300 | 300 | 246 | 246 | 100 (Levels 1–2 together) |
| 2 | 200 | 500 | 125 | 371 | 100 (Levels 1–2 together) |
| 3 | 500 | 1,000 | 284 | 655 | 150 (250 cumulative) |
| 4 | 1,000 | 2,000 | 441 | 1,096 | 150 (400 cumulative) |
| 5 | 1,600 | 3,600 | 431 | 1,527 | 150 (550 cumulative) |
| 6 | 1,800 | 5,400 | 413 | 1,940 | 150 (700 cumulative) |
| 7–9 | 5,600 | 11,000 | 1,148 | 3,088 | 500 (1,200 cumulative) |
Some entries are marked like “1（4）”: the word appears at Level 1 and an extra sense is required at Level 4. Each word is counted once, at its first level.
Watch out for older numbers
Many pages still quote per-level counts from earlier documents. The exam syllabus published in November 2025 is what HSK 3.0 is built on; use its numbers.
What else is in the syllabus
Five parts: tasks (“can-do” statements per level), topics, vocabulary, characters (recognition and handwriting) and grammar. Levels 7–9 tasks are grouped into social life, work and academic settings and described for comprehension, expression and translation.
How to study the list (our advice)
- Work back from exam day: Level 4 adds 1,000 words, about 34 a day over 30 days, plus review days.
- Learn the new words for your level while reviewing lower-level words inside new sentences: all cumulative words can appear.
- From Level 3 you need to handwrite the characters on the handwriting list: copy 10 a day and write yesterday’s from memory.
- Group words by the syllabus topics rather than alphabetically; you will recognise them faster in listening and reading.
- File mock-exam mistakes by word and spend your last days only on words you have missed. Mistake bank
Frequently asked
How many words are in HSK 3.0?
The official syllabus word list has 11,000 words: 300 at Level 1, then 200, 500, 1,000, 1,600, 1,800 and 5,600 new words for Levels 2–6 and 7–9.
Where can I download the official HSK 3.0 word list?
The syllabus PDF linked from the HSK 3.0 entry on chinesetest.cn contains the full vocabulary, character and grammar lists.
How many characters must I handwrite for HSK 3.0?
The handwriting list: 100 for Levels 1–2 together, 150 each for Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6, and 500 for Levels 7–9 — 1,200 in total.
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
- Chinese Test Service Website: About the new HSK
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.