How to Make an Origami Jumping Frog from an Index Card

Last Updated: February 19, 2023

Origami can be a fun activity for people of all ages. This easy-to-make jumping frog can be made in about three minutes and can provide hours of entertainment. The sturdiness of the index card makes the frog jump higher and last longer than if you make an origami jumping frog from regular paper. With a few friends and a few more frogs, you can play games like seeing whose frog can jump the farthest or race frogs seeing who can reach the finish line first.

Steps

1
Using a 3" by 5" index card fold the top-right corner of the card diagonally (down and left) until the top of the card meets the left side. Unfold the card.
2
Fold the top-left corner of the card diagonally (down and right) until the top of the card meets the right side. Then unfold the card. This will result in an X-shape on the upper portion of the card as shown in the figure.

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3
Grasp the right and left edges of the card at the midpoint of the triangles and fold the two sides inward. Keep the top portion flat while bending the two sides. As the top portion of the card folds inward, press it the rest of the way down. The card should resemble a house (see figure).
4
Grasp the right corner of the resulting triangle and fold the "wing" upward to the top corner of the triangle.
5
Fold the left "wing" upward to the top corner of the triangle as well.
6
Fold the right edge of the "house" into the middle so that the right edge meets the vertical center line.
7
Fold the left edge of the "house" into the middle so that the left edge meets the vertical center line.
8
Fold the bottom of the card up a little bit past the top and then halfway back down again to meet the new fold at the bottom.
9
Turn the frog over; it should open up a bit.
10
Using the tip of your index finger, press the back of your frog down slightly and slide it off; the frog will jump.

Community Q&A

Question

What causes this to jump?

MattTheWaffleCat

Community Answer

Have you ever folded a stiff piece of paper and then watched as it straightened itself out slowly? It's kind of like that, but the paper unfolds quickly enough that it propels the frog off the ground.
Question

What should I do if my origami frog doesn't jump properly?

MattTheWaffleCat

Community Answer

You might need to try using a stiffer index card. Something maybe a little thicker. It will jump better that way.
Question

Mine didn't jump at all. Why?

Adolfo Murillo

Community Answer

The index card may have had too many folds in it, causing it to not jump at all. Try it again, and be careful with your folds.

Warnings

If you are using scissors and/or paper cutters, keep fingers and clothing away from cutting parts, and keep an eye on children using them.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 7
Be careful with the corners of the index card. They are sharp.

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