How to Make Rectangular Paper into a Square

ByFlorent Fabre

If you’re just getting started with origami and don’t have square paper yet, don’t worry. You can easily use regular printer paper instead.

While origami paper is easier to work with, most of our easy tutorials work perfectly well with standard printer paper (A4 or letter).

In this guide, we’ll show you how to turn a rectangular sheet of paper into a perfect square in just three simple steps.

Origami Rectangle Paper to Square Step-by-Step Instructions

Difficulty: Easy – Beginner level 1
Folding time: Under 1 minute

Step 1

Fold the left edge down to meet the bottom edge. Make a small pinch mark at the top right corner, then unfold.

Step 2

Fold the right edge over to the left along the dashed line, using the pinch mark you just made as a guide. Align all edges carefully before creasing. Crease well, then unfold.

Step 3

Cut off the right strip along the crease made in Step 2.

The Completed Square! 🎉

from rectangle to square diagram completed

That’s it, you now have a perfect square sheet ready for origami. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, you’ll be able to make one in seconds.

Happy folding!

Author Florent Fabre

Hi, I’m Flo, and I’m the hands behind Origami.me.

After spending more than five years immersed in Japanese culture, I slowly fell in love with origami and the quiet focus that comes with folding paper. What started as simple curiosity became a real passion, not only for the art itself, but also for the calm, creativity, and mindfulness it brings to everyday life.

Today, I create tutorials, work with origami artists from around the world, and help beginners discover that anyone can learn origami, one fold at a time.

How to Make Rectangular Paper into a Square