Origami: Paper Cup

A quick fold that makes a real cup that holds water. Just follow the pictures: dashed lines show where to fold, and blue arrows show which way. No scissors, glue or tape needed.

LevelEasyTime2 minutesPaper1 square sheet (15 cm / 6 in)Steps6

Valley fold (fold toward you)
Mountain fold (fold behind)
Fold in front
Fold behind
Fold to this spot

Step 1.
Fold in half into a triangle
Turn your square so it looks like a diamond, white side facing up. Fold the bottom corner up to the top corner and press the crease flat. That folded edge along the bottom will be the bottom of your cup, so it won’t leak.
Step 2.
Fold the right corner across
Fold the right corner over to the left edge so its tip lands on the dot. Before you crease, check that the top edge of the flap is flat and level, like a shelf.
Step 3.
Fold the left corner across
Fold the left corner over the same way, so its tip touches the tip of the first flap (the dot). Now it looks like a cup with a point sticking up.
Step 4.
Fold the front point down
The point on top has two layers. Fold only the front layer down over the front of the cup, along the dashed line.
Step 5.
Fold the back point behind
Fold the back layer down behind the cup (or flip the cup over and fold it down the same way). Tip: slide the front point into the pocket of the flap under it, so the cup stays shut.
Step 6.
Open your cup
Gently squeeze the two top corners toward each other to pop the cup open. Your paper cup is ready. Try pouring in a little water!

You made a paper cup! 🎉

Printer paper works, but thinner origami paper folds more neatly. The cup holds water for a few minutes before it gets soggy, so fill it halfway and drink it soon.

Next, try the Paper Hat or see all origami guides.