Cornell notes printable: the layout, the method and templates
Cornell notes split the page into three parts: a wide column for notes during class, a narrow cue column for questions and keywords afterwards, and a summary box at the bottom. Reviewing with the cue column covered turns your notes into a self-test.
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Templates to start from
Fold-and-study strips
Questions on one side, answers on the other — the cue-column idea.
Flashcards (cut-out sheet)
Index card notes
Key idea, notes and an example on each card.
Flashcards (cut-out sheet)
KWL chart
Know, Want to know, Learned — before and after a lesson.
Worksheet (Letter)
Frayer model
Definition, characteristics, examples and non-examples.
Worksheet (Letter)
Where Cornell notes come from
The method was developed by Walter Pauk, an education professor at Cornell University, and described in his book How to Study in College. It's widely taught because the layout builds review into note-taking.
The standard layout
| Part | Where | What goes there |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Top | Topic, class, date |
| Cue column | Left, about 2.5 in (6 cm) wide | Questions, keywords and prompts — written after class |
| Notes column | Right, about 6 in (15 cm) wide | Main ideas, details, diagrams — written during class |
| Summary | Bottom, about 2 in (5 cm) tall | Two or three sentences summarising the page |
Example (biology)
- Notes: “Photosynthesis — plants make glucose from CO₂ + water using light; happens in chloroplasts; releases O₂.”
- Cue: “What are the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis? Where does it happen?”
- Summary: “Plants use light energy in chloroplasts to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose, releasing oxygen.”
Teaching Cornell notes to a class
- Model the first page live: take notes on the board while you teach, then write cues together.
- Give a partly filled page at first (headings and some cues) and remove the scaffolding over a few weeks.
- Use the summary box as an exit ticket.
- Pair it with flashcards: each cue can become a card.
How to make it in CatalogProFlow
- Set up the pageOpen one of the note templates above and rename its parts Cues, Notes and Summary — or rule a blank page with a narrow left column (about a third of the width), a wide right column and a summary box across the bottom.
- Take notes on the rightDuring the lesson or reading, write main ideas and supporting details in short phrases.
- Add cues on the leftWithin a day, write questions, keywords or prompts next to each section of notes.
- Summarise at the bottomWrite two or three sentences in your own words about the whole page.
- Review by self-testingCover the notes column, read each cue and answer it aloud; check, and repeat over the next few days.
Questions
What are the three sections of Cornell notes?
A notes column on the right for notes during class, a cue column on the left for questions and keywords added afterwards, and a summary section at the bottom.
When do you fill in the cue column?
Soon after the lesson or reading, ideally the same day, while the material is still fresh.
Do Cornell notes work for maths?
Yes. Put worked examples in the notes column and the type of problem or the key step in the cue column.
Related guides
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