Cornell Notes Template
Create printable Cornell note-taking pages in seconds: a cue column for questions and keywords, a large notes area and a summary box at the bottom. Choose lined, dotted, grid or blank pages, line spacing, column width, header fields and paper size, then download a PDF with as many pages as you need.
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How to use the Cornell Notes Template
- Pick the paper size and how many pages you want.
- Choose a page style: lined, dotted, grid or blank, and the line spacing (college ruled is the most common).
- Adjust the cue column and summary with the sliders; the preview updates instantly.
- Set up the header: tick the fields you want and type a class or topic to print it on every page.
- Press Download Cornell notes PDF and print at 100% (Actual size).
The Cornell method in five steps (the 5 Rs)
- Record: during the lecture or reading, write the main ideas and supporting facts in the notes area. Use short phrases, abbreviations and diagrams, and skip a line between topics.
- Reduce: as soon as possible afterwards, write keywords and questions in the cue column that the notes answer.
- Recite: cover the notes area, read each cue and explain the answer out loud in your own words. Uncover to check.
- Reflect: write the summary at the bottom and think about how the ideas connect to what you already know.
- Review: spend a few minutes each week reciting from the cue columns instead of rereading everything.
Standard Cornell page dimensions
| Section | Traditional size (Letter) | What to write |
|---|---|---|
| Cue column (left) | 2.5 in (6.4 cm) wide | Questions, keywords, formulas to remember, vocabulary |
| Notes area (right) | 6 in (15.2 cm) wide | Main ideas, details, examples, diagrams |
| Summary (bottom) | 2 in (5 cm) tall | A few sentences summarizing the page |
On A4 paper the same proportions give a cue column of about 6 cm and a summary of about 5 cm. Line spacing: narrow ruled 6.35 mm (1/4 in), college ruled 7.1 mm (9/32 in), wide ruled 8.7 mm (11/32 in).
Which page style should I use?
- Lined: best for text-heavy subjects such as history, literature and social studies.
- Grid: maths, physics, chemistry and anything with graphs, tables or aligned equations.
- Dotted: a flexible mix of writing and sketches; popular for biology diagrams and on tablets.
- Blank: mind maps, art history and visual note-taking (sketchnotes).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cornell note-taking method?
It is a note-taking system developed by Walter Pauk at Cornell University in the 1950s. Each page is divided into a narrow left column for cues (questions and keywords), a wide right column for notes taken during the lecture or reading, and a summary area at the bottom where you sum up the page in a few sentences afterwards.
How wide should the cue column be?
The traditional layout on 8.5 × 11 in paper uses a 2.5 in cue column, a 6 in notes column and a 2 in summary section. That is roughly the default here (30% of the width). Make it narrower if you mostly write keywords, wider if you write full review questions.
What is the difference between college ruled and wide ruled?
College ruled lines are 9/32 in (about 7.1 mm) apart and fit more lines per page; wide ruled lines are 11/32 in (about 8.7 mm) apart and suit larger handwriting and younger students. Narrow ruled is 1/4 in (6.35 mm).
How do I use the cue column?
During class, write notes only in the notes area. Soon after, read them and write questions, keywords and prompts in the cue column next to the matching notes. To review, cover the notes area and try to answer the cues from memory; this active recall is what makes the method effective.
What goes in the summary section?
Two to four sentences in your own words that capture the main ideas of the page, written after class. Summarizing forces you to connect the ideas and makes the page quick to review before a test.
Can I print Cornell notes double-sided?
Yes. Tick 'Mirror back pages' to put the cue column on the outside edge of even pages, which suits ring binders and notebooks when printing on both sides. Use your printer's 'flip on long edge' option.
Is this suitable for digital note-taking on a tablet?
Yes. Download the PDF and open it in a note-taking app that lets you write on PDFs. The dotted or blank style works well with a stylus.
Are all the tools on FreeToolCabin tested for quality and accuracy?
Yes! Every tool on our site undergoes automated Q/A testing in real browser environments to ensure high precision, correct output, and zero errors. If you happen to spot a bug or have a suggestion, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will review it right away.
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