Abstract: A novel additive for papermaking is disclosed. The additive comprises an aqueous solution of a copolymer obtained by reacting (a) an acrylamide, (b) a vinyl monomer which is copolymerizable with component (a) and has a cationic group, (c) at least one of vinyl monomers which are copolymerizable with component (a) and (b) and have 2, 3 or 4 carboxyl groups in a molecule thereof and/or a salt thereof, optionally (e) a nonionic monomer which is copolymerizable with components (a), (b) and (c) if desired, and (d) a cross-linking compound, in the presence of (f) at least one of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, diethanolamine and glycerin.This novel additive for papermaking is able to achieve excellent freeness and retention in the process of papermaking and provides paper with increased strength.