Printable Cornell notes template
Print Cornell note paper or save it as a PDF: a cue column, a notes column and a summary box. Letter or A4, lined or blank, free.
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The Cornell method splits each page into three parts: a wide column for notes during class, a narrow column for cues and questions you add afterwards, and a box at the bottom for a short summary. This template prints that layout on US Letter or A4, with your class or topic at the top. Print as many pages as you need, or choose Save as PDF in the print window to use it on an iPad or in GoodNotes.
How to print Cornell notes paper
Set up the page
Type the class or topic if you want it printed at the top. Pick US Letter or A4, lined or blank, and how many pages you need. The preview shows the first page.
Print or save as PDF
Click Print or save as PDF. In the print window, print the pages, or change the printer to Save as PDF for a file you can write on in a notes app.
Take notes the Cornell way
In class, write in the wide Notes column. After class, add keywords and questions in the left column and sum up the page in two or three sentences at the bottom.
How to use each part of the page
Notes (right): what you hear and read in class. Short phrases, abbreviations and quick diagrams beat full sentences. Leave a gap between ideas.
Cues and questions (left): fill this in after class, ideally the same day. Write the question each chunk of notes answers, or a keyword that sums it up. Later this column is your self test.
Summary (bottom): two to four sentences on the page in your own words. If you can't write it, that is the part to review.
Reviewing with Cornell notes
Cover the Notes column, read each cue or question on the left and answer it out loud before you check. That is active recall, and it works far better than rereading. Come back to the page a day later, then a few days later: spacing the reviews out is what keeps it in memory.
The method was developed by Walter Pauk at Cornell University and described in his book How to Study in College.
Frequently asked questions
What are Cornell notes?
A note-taking layout with three parts: a wide column for notes taken in class, a narrow column on the left for cues and questions added afterwards, and a summary box at the bottom of the page.
How big are the columns?
The cue column is about 2.4 inches wide and the summary box about 2 inches tall, close to the classic Cornell layout of a 2.5 inch cue column and a 2 inch summary. The notes column gets the rest of the page.
Can I get it as a PDF?
Yes. Click Print or save as PDF, then choose Save as PDF as the printer in the print window. The PDF works in GoodNotes, Notability and other note apps.
Does it work for A4 paper?
Yes. Pick A4 before you print and the page is laid out for A4.
Is it free?
Yes. No account and no watermark. The page is made in your browser.