Fun
How to fold an origami masu box
Fold the traditional masu box — a sturdy square box from a single sheet, with no glue or scissors — and a matching lid from a slightly larger square.
Masu box
Intermediateabout 8 minutes9 stepsPaper: Square, 15–25 cm (6–10 in); thicker paper makes a sturdier box
Start with the white side up and the square turned like a diamond. Fold it in half corner to corner both ways and unfold.
Swipe the diagram or use the ← → keys. Space plays and pauses.
Paper colour
Print all steps
2 pages, six steps to a page, in the paper colour you picked.
Reading the diagrams
- - - valley fold (towards you) · -·-· mountain fold (away) · thin grey lines are creases already made. Arrows show where the paper goes; a hollow arrow means push in.
All steps
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Frequently asked questions
What is a masu box?
A masu is a traditional Japanese square box, originally made of wood and used to measure rice and to serve sake. The origami version folds into the same shape from one square of paper and is one of the best-known practical origami models.
How big will the box be?
The base is about a third of the paper's width and the walls about a sixth: a 15 cm (6 in) square makes a box roughly 5.3 cm (2 in) across and 2.6 cm (1 in) deep, and a 25 cm square about 8.8 cm across.
How do I make a lid?
Fold a second box from a square about 1 cm (1/2 in) larger than the first. It fits over the first box as a lid. For a tighter or looser fit, change the difference in size a little.
Which paper makes the strongest box?
Thicker paper such as scrapbook paper, gift wrap or thin card holds its shape best, though it is harder to fold the corners at the end. Crease every fold firmly; the lock at the ends is what holds the box together.
The last step is confusing — any tips?
Make sure every crease from the earlier steps is sharp. Raise the long walls first, then lift one end: its sides fold in along the existing creases as the end rises. Fold the point over the top of the wall and press it flat on the bottom of the box. Repeat at the other end.
About this tool
The masu box is the classic origami box: strong, square and folded from a single sheet with no cutting or glue. It makes a handy tray for paper clips and jewellery, a gift box for sweets or a small present, and — folded in a pair — a box with a lid.
The diagrams follow the traditional method. The flat folds are animated one by one: diagonal creases, a blintz fold that brings all four corners to the centre, creases along the edges, and the sides folded in. The final steps, where the paper stands up into a box, are drawn in 3D so you can see how the walls rise and where the ends lock in.
Choose a paper colour to match your sheet, and download every step as a PDF on US Letter or A4. The box fits well with other models on this site — fill it with lucky stars, or put a folded heart inside as a gift.