ASL Alphabet (Fingerspelling)
Text descriptions of each handshape in the ASL alphabet.
| Letter | Handshape |
|---|---|
A | Closed fist, thumb resting against the side |
B | Flat hand, fingers together, thumb tucked across palm |
C | Curved hand forming a 'C' shape |
D | Index finger up, other fingers touch thumb to form circle |
E | Fingers curled, thumb across them |
F | Index and thumb touch (circle), other three fingers up |
G | Index points sideways, thumb on top |
H | Index and middle fingers extended sideways together |
I | Pinky up, other fingers curled |
J | Same as I, but draw a 'J' in the air |
K | Index up, middle finger at right angle, thumb between |
L | Index points up, thumb out to side (L-shape) |
M | Three fingers (index, middle, ring) over thumb |
N | Two fingers (index, middle) over thumb |
O | All fingers curved to touch thumb, forming a circle |
P | Like K but pointing downward |
Q | Index and thumb point downward |
R | Index and middle finger crossed |
S | Closed fist, thumb across knuckles |
T | Closed fist with thumb between index and middle |
U | Index and middle fingers up, together |
V | Index and middle fingers up, apart (peace sign) |
W | Index, middle, and ring fingers up, apart |
X | Index finger bent like a hook |
Y | Thumb and pinky out (hang loose), others curled |
Z | Index finger draws a 'Z' in the air |
Use this alongside a video resource — text alone doesn't fully convey handshapes.
About this tool
Quick reference for fingerspelling the 26 letters of the English alphabet in American Sign Language. Use this alongside a video resource — these descriptions don't replace actually seeing the handshapes.