How to Fold a Cup from a Sheet of Paper

Reviewed by Renee Day

Last Updated: August 26, 2025

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

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When you're done, it'll be in the shape of a triangle.
Be sure to choose one of the two identical corners, not the third corner that's a perfect 90-degree angle.

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The tops of the two folds will perfectly overlap when you're done.

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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.

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Is there supposed to be a hole in bottom?

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

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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.

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Tips

To get the cup to hold water, make it from a square of waxed paper, kitchen parchment or any other kinds of waterproof paper. Alternatively, Line the insides with plastic wrap so your cup won't fall apart. This will repel water and help make the cup last longer.

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Make a cup out of aluminum foil, then make one out of wax paper the slightly smaller. Put the wax paper cup inside the aluminum foil one and you will have a durable cup to drink water from.

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The cup will last longer if you double up on paper beforehand to make the cup twice as thick.

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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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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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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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