How to Make an Origami Jumping Frog
Traditional/Unknow Let’s learn how to fold an origami jumping frog, a classic model that’s been around since at least the 1960s, often linked to Lillian Oppenheimer and Shari Lewis, though the exact origin isn’t fully clear.
What makes this model especially fun is not just how it looks, but what it does. Once folded, this little origami frog can actually jump pretty far if you press down on its back.
The shape is simple but works really well. It’s a great example of how a few folds can create something playful and interactive.
As you go through the steps, you’ll notice the paper gets quite thick toward the end. That’s normal. Don’t worry too much about perfectly sharp folds at that stage. Even with a few imperfections, the frog will still look good and, more importantly, it will jump.
Origami Frog Step-by-Step Instructions
- Difficulty: Easy – Beginner Level 3
- Folding time: 5-10 minutes
Recommended Paper
15×15 cm (6×6 in) Kami
This tutorial was updated in February 2026 with clearer steps and improved visuals.
Step 1
Start with the white side of the paper facing up. Fold it in half horizontally, then unfold.
🐸 Folding tip: You can start with a rectangle, half of a square, and begin from Step 3 instead. The frog will be easier to fold because there are fewer layers, but it will not jump as high, especially if your paper is thin. If you are using thick paper like construction or printer paper, go for it.
Step 2
Fold the paper in half vertically, from left to right.
Step 3
Fold the paper in half horizontally again, then unfold.
🐸 Folding tip: Before folding, place your fingers on the right side to hold all the layers together so they do not shift.
Step 4
Fold the bottom right edge to the horizontal centerline. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 5
Fold the bottom left edge to the horizontal centerline. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 6
Turn the paper over.
Step 7
Fold the bottom edge to the horizontal centerline. Crease well, then unfold.
Step 8
Turn the paper over.
Step 9
Push the bottom left and right sides inward while folding the bottom edge up to meet the horizontal centerline.
Step 10
Fold the top flaps downward. There are no exact reference points here. These will become the frog’s front legs, so try to make them symmetrical.
Step 11
Rotate the model 180 degrees.
Step 12
Fold the bottom edge up to the nearest horizontal line.
Step 13
Fold the left and right edges to the vertical centerline.
🐸 Folding tip: Lift the front leg flaps before folding so they don’t get in the way.
Step 14
Fold the bottom edge up to meet the point where the front legs connect.
Step 15
Fold the left and right edges of the top flap down to the bottom edge, then unfold them.
Step 16
Unfold the top flap from Step 14.
Step 17
Lift the bottom flaps and push the bottom edge up to meet the point where the front legs connect. The bottom flaps will move outward on each side.
Step 18
Fold the left and right flaps down along the existing creases.
Step 19
Fold the inner edges of the bottom flaps to the nearest crease lines to form the frog’s back legs.
Step 20
Fold the bottom section up along the line where the front and back legs meet.
Step 21
Fold the top flap in half from top to bottom. Crease well.
Step 22
Turn the model over and gently stretch out the back legs.
Your Origami Frog Is Ready to Jump!
Press down on the back and let it hop 🐸
I hope you had fun folding this one. It’s one of those models that you end up making more than once, just to see how far you can get it to jump.
If you try it, feel free to share your frogs in the comments. Different papers can slightly change how it behaves, so it’s always interesting to compare.
And if you haven’t yet, check out our YouTube channel for more step-by-step tutorials, or join our origami newsletter to get new models delivered straight to your inbox.
You can also explore more easy origami models or browse our origami animals collection if you want to keep folding.
Download the Full Origami Frog Printable PDF Instructions
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Watch the Origami Frog Video Tutorial
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Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that we’ve added images, gifs, and videos to make this traditional origami jumping frog a lot easier for you. Enjoy 🐸
Thanks! i can now make a million! and thanks for approving my comment!
I work with children with autism and the various instructions on this site are the only origami instructions I’ve found that the kiddos can follow along with the easiest. Thank you so much for putting all of these together!
Hi Carly, I’m very happy to hear that. I hope they’re having fun 🙂 I’m ND myself, and I find a lot of relief in folding origami.
Hey I just Made this jumping frog with my best friend. It was a lot of fun. We highly recommend this tutorial. We also highly suggest doing this with a close friend of yours. Greetings
Thanks for sharing! I agree, folding together is always fun 😊
It jumped off thedesk
I made a good looking one
What a handsome looking fella! 🙂
Mine was like “I’m wrapping this up WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE”
I MADE 4 OF THEM
Made the frog in my dino jammies at 8:32! 🤗
Great folds! If you like dinos, you can have a try at our Styracosaurus 🙂
It took me forever, but I finally got it!!
>v<
AAA mine does backflips every time lol
The jump may be as difficult as the fold 🙂
POV: me folding origami at school be like
😂 Don’t forget to bookmark the page!
this one helps me feel better when HOPPING from class to class in school
wow
I made a gradient one
Mine does a forward summersault…cool. Im gunna practice at jury duty:)
i make cool shark
A jumping shark? 🙂 Very cool!
Haha I made a tiny one <3
Car frog
KYOOT SO KYOOT
cool beans
that was great
I got some people asking me for one… it’s pretty nice 👍
I would ask you if I know you could make it
I made one at school and everyone wanted one and wanted me to teach them .-. There’s 14 of them ToT
I made a different one and it was the same! 😂
I would ask you to teach me then! 🤣
This is harder than you think the instructions are easy but when you try it by yourself it isn’t easy for real maybe for you but it isn’t for me I literally crashed out really bad.
Hey there! The jumping frog can be pretty tricky, especially if you’re just starting out. So don’t feel bad at all! Origami is all about enjoying the journey and practicing over time. If you’re totally new, I’d suggest checking out our beginner’s guide first. You can start with simpler models we’ve labeled “Beginner Level 1,” like the cat face, the fox, or the swan.
And remember, even experienced folders mess up all the time. I actually love when I can’t get a model right away, because it feels awesome to come back after folding a few other things and realize I’ve improved. Keep folding, and you’ll definitely get there!