How to Fold a Cup from a Sheet of Paper

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

A paper cup is easy to fold. It can hold a liquid, such as water, or a small snack, such as jelly beans. To fold a cup from a sheet of paper, follow the steps provided.

Steps

1
Fold a perfectly square piece of paper diagonally. When you're done, it'll be in the shape of a triangle.
2
Fold one corner to the center of the opposite side. Be sure to choose one of the two identical corners, not the third corner that's a perfect 90-degree angle.
3
Repeat with the other corner. The tops of the two folds will perfectly overlap when you're done.
4
Fold the top flaps down to create an opening in your paper cup.Tuck each flap in the previous folds.
5
Finished!

Community Q&A

Question

How can I get these instructions on paper?

Community Answer

You can try printing directly from your web browser, or copy and paste the instructions into a word document and print from there.
Question

Is there supposed to be a hole in bottom?

Qamar

Top Answerer

No, it should be in the shape of a cup.
Question

Can I put anything in the cup?

Community Answer

Do not add liquids. The paper is not thick enough to support it. You may add anything else you'd like.
Question

How can I make the cup stand?

Community Answer

Press the cup down onto a flat surface, making the base flat.
Question

How big is a cup supposed to be when folding a cup from a sheet of paper?

Emma_DIY 234

Community Answer

It depends on what size sheet of paper you use. You probably will end up having a cup 3x smaller than the paper you started with.
Question

When I put water in it, it rips. What do I do?

Qamar

Top Answerer

Water is not supposed to be poured in the cup. Paper is delicate, and isn't thick enough to support the water. Try adding small objects, such as paperclips or marbles instead.
Question

What size paper do I need?

Community Answer

Any square piece of paper will do, it depends on how big you want the cup to be.
Question

The side triangles keep opening. What do I do?

Community Answer

Add some tape to secure the triangles, which also adds a bit of shine.
Question

Can I use index cards or paper by making the paper square?

Lanie Beare

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It makes a small cup, but it still makes a cup. When you make the triangle, cut or tear off the excess.
Question

My paper is double-sided. If I want the pattern side for the cup, what side should I start with?

Elizabeth Bolster

Community Answer

To make the pattern side for the cup show outward, then start with the pattern facing down on the table so the white part should be facing up.

Warnings

This cup might not work well for long as a drinking cup. It may absorb liquid, depending on the type of paper used to form the cup, and might quickly saturate and fall apart.

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if you are going to use this cup for drinking, avoid using bleached or lined paper. The chemicals and/or ink can bleed into the water.

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Helpful 46 Not Helpful 16
This cup is absolutely not usable for hot liquids, which might not only burn your hands, but also melt through the wax or cling wrap you've used to make the cup liquid-resistant.

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