Free tool
Compare old and new HSK word lists.
See what you already know.
Shows your coverage percentage, which words are new, and which you already know at each level. Example: old HSK 4 holders already know 55% of new HSK 4 — but 883 words are new.
The HSK 3.0 standard, finalized in 2025 by the Chinese Ministry of Education, replaced the HSK 2.0 system that had been in use since 2010. The new standard expanded from 6 levels to 9, increasing the total word count from about 5,000 to 10,896 unique words.
For existing learners, the biggest question is coverage: how much of the new standard do you already know? The answer varies by level. Old HSK 3 holders know roughly 70% of new HSK 3, while old HSK 5 holders know about 60% of new HSK 5. The gaps are real but manageable.
The official HSK 3.0 exam launches in July 2026. Use the Word Diff to identify exactly which words you need to study.