How to Write 算 (calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability) — Stroke Order, Readings & Printable Worksheet
Master the 14-stroke writing sequence of the JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) character 算 (“calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability”), indexed under the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical. Practice 算 alongside high-frequency Japanese Jukugo compounds such as 算 (そろ (soro) — calculate).
🔍 Radical & Component Breakdown (算)
Primary Radical (部首): 竹 — たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)
Radical Position: Top (Kanmuri / 冠) (冠 (Kanmuri))
Semantic Theme: Bamboo, flutes, scrolls, baskets, and writing brushes
Curriculum & Reading Usage: Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生) (JLPT N2). Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サン) when 算 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (そろ) when 算 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings.
Genkō Yōshi Proportions (14画): At 14 strokes, 算 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
📜 Etymology & Mnemonic Insight (六書 / Rikusho)
Radical: 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo))
Standard Jouyou kanji written with 14 strokes under radical 竹.
Common Japanese Words & Jukugo Using 算
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanji 算 (FAQ)
How many strokes are in 算 and how is it structured?
The Japanese character 算 ("calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability") is written with 14 strokes (14画) as a JLPT N2 (Kyōiku Kanji Grade 2 (小学2年生)) high-density multi-component Kanji (12+ strokes) indexed under the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical. At 14 strokes, 算 is a high-density Kanji where compact internal spacing prevents visual crowding. Keep the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) radical (Top (Kanmuri / 冠) position) slim and space internal horizontal strokes evenly so all 14 strokes fit inside the Genkō Yōshi margins.
What are the Onyomi, Kunyomi, and Jukugo words for 算?
For 算 (JLPT N2), the Onyomi is サン and the Kunyomi is そろ. Use the Sino-Japanese Onyomi (サン) when 算 combines with other Kanji in multi-character Jukugo compounds, and use the native Japanese Kunyomi (そろ) when 算 appears as a standalone noun or with Hiragana okurigana endings. High-frequency Japanese vocabulary using 算 includes 算 (そろ (soro) — calculate).
What is the stroke order rule for writing 算 on Genkō Yōshi paper?
When writing the 14 strokes of 算 (calculate, divining, number, abacus, probability), start with the 竹 (たけ / たけかんむり (bamboo)) in the Top (Kanmuri / 冠) (冠 (Kanmuri)) position and follow standard Japanese Hitsujun (筆順) principles: top to bottom (上から下) and left to right (左から右). Practice 算 interactively on the Kanji Scribe canvas or print a free A4 Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheet.
More JLPT N2 Characters to Practice Next
View Full JLPT N2 Kanji List →Unlock All 2,000+ JLPT N5–N1 Kanji, AI Sensei & Unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF Books
Get lifetime access to all 2,136 Jōyō Kanji (JLPT N5–N1), AI Kanji Sensei mnemonics, and unlimited Genkō Yōshi PDF worksheets for a one-time payment of $17.99 USD (10% OFF the $19.99 Lifetime Pro Pass with promo code KANJI10). Zero monthly subscriptions!