Free Printable United States Maps

About these united states map handouts

The blank map shows the lower 48 states in a conic projection, with Alaska and Hawaii placed in boxes beneath, so every state is large enough to label or color. Use it for a states quiz, a region project, or a map of your own data. The outlines are simplified from public domain Natural Earth boundaries, drawn by code, so they are clean to trace and print well in black and white.

The labeled version marks all 50 states and Washington, D.C. with postal abbreviations. The small northeastern states are labeled just off the coast with lines pointing to them, and a key at the bottom lists every state's abbreviation with its full name in alphabetical order. That makes it a reference for a wall or notebook, and a good partner for the blank map during practice.

Both maps are simplified. Tiny islands and the finest coastline detail are left out, and Alaska and Hawaii are moved and resized to fit. They are fine for classroom learning but are not scaled for measuring distance or area, so the maps should not be used for navigation.

How to use them

1. Print the labeled map first so students can study the shapes.
2. Hand out the blank map for a labeling or quiz activity.
3. Have students label states in a region, then check against the key.
4. Use colored pencils to mark regions, capitals or a data set.
5. Compare the two maps side by side to self-check.
6. Keep the labeled map in student notebooks for reference.

Classroom tips

• Teach one region at a time and quiz that region before moving on.
• Have students color neighboring states in different colors to see the borders clearly.
• Use the blank map for any state-based data: elections, weather, state birds.
• The small northeastern states are the hardest; a quick daily drill on just those pays off.

Notes on this page

• Boundaries are simplified from Natural Earth (public domain). Alaska and Hawaii are moved and resized; the maps are not to scale for measuring.

Where the facts come from

• Natural Earth, Admin 1 States and Provinces (public domain): State boundaries, 1:50 million scale, via github.com/nvkelso/natural-earth-vector
• Natural Earth, terms of use: Public domain statement

Last reviewed 2026-10-03. Handout Hero designs are original and made for this site. They are general reference material; check your own school, district or tradition where it matters.