A printable Cornell notes template you can adjust
The Cornell method divides a page into three areas: a narrow cue column for questions and keywords, a wide notes area for what you hear or read, and a summary box at the bottom for a few sentences written afterwards in your own words. This Cornell notes template draws that layout to your proportions — set the cue column width (15–50%) and the summary height (10–40%), put the cue column on the left or the right for left-handed writers, and choose ruled lines, a dot grid, a square grid or a blank notes area.
A header gives space for the topic, date and class or name, the three sections are labelled, and you can print as many pages as a lecture series needs in one PDF. The page is drawn in your browser at true millimetre sizes for A4, Letter, A5 or Legal paper and nothing is uploaded.
How to use the Cornell Notes Template
- Set the cue column width and summary height as percentages of the page; the classic layout is about 30% and 20%.
- Choose the side of the cue column and how the notes area is filled: ruled lines (7 mm is a good default), dots, a grid or blank.
- Keep the header and section labels, or turn them off for a cleaner page; add page numbers for a multi-page set.
- Pick colours, paper size and the number of pages.
- Press Print template or download the PDF or PNG.
Cornell Notes Template features
Adjustable proportions
Any cue width from 15% to 50% and any summary height from 10% to 40%, so the page matches your handwriting size.
Left or right cue column
Put the cue column on the right if you are left-handed or prefer to review from the edge.
Four notes fills
Ruled, dotted, squared or blank, with the spacing you choose (4–15 mm); the summary box is always ruled.
Header and labels
Topic, date and class/name lines, with “Cue”, “Notes” and “Summary” labels in your accent colour.
Multi-page PDF
Up to 30 identical pages, optionally numbered, in one small vector file.
True-size printing
The layout is built in millimetres, so a 7 mm ruling prints as 7 mm.
How to take Cornell notes
The summary box is written last: two or three sentences that capture the page. If you cannot write it, you have found the part to revisit. For active recall practice, the cues and answers transfer neatly to the flashcard maker.
- Record — during the class or reading, write the main ideas in the notes area. Use short phrases, abbreviations and your own symbols; leave a line between ideas.
- Reduce — soon afterwards, write a question or keyword in the cue column opposite each block of notes. “What causes inflation?” is better than “inflation”.
- Recite — cover the notes area, read each cue and answer it aloud or on scrap paper. Check, then move on.
- Reflect — ask how the material connects to what you already know and where it might be examined.
- Review — spend ten minutes a week re-reading the cues and summaries. Spaced reviews are what turn notes into memory.
Which proportions and fill to choose
Plain ruled or squared sheets without the Cornell divisions are available from the lined paper generator and the graph paper generator; to print two pages per sheet for a compact notebook, pass the PDF through the PDF N-up tool.
| Use | Cue width | Summary | Notes fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures with many definitions | 35–40% | 20% | Ruled, 7 mm |
| Maths, physics, chemistry | 25–30% | 15% | Square grid, 5 mm |
| Reading notes and literature | 30% | 25–30% | Ruled, 8 mm |
| Meeting notes at work | 25% | 15% | Dot grid, 5 mm — tidy sketches and tables |
| Young students (large handwriting) | 30% | 20% | Ruled, 9–10 mm |
Cornell Notes Template FAQ
What are the standard Cornell notes proportions?
The original Cornell University layout uses a cue column about 2.5 inches (6 cm) wide on an 8.5-inch page — roughly 30% — and a summary area about 2 inches (5 cm) tall, roughly 20%. Those are the defaults here, and both can be changed.
Can I put the cue column on the right?
Yes. Set “Cue column side” to Right. Left-handed writers often prefer it because the hand does not cover the cues while writing notes.
Can I make the notes area dotted or squared instead of lined?
Yes. Choose Dot grid or Square grid and set the spacing. The summary box keeps ruled lines at the same spacing.
How do I print a whole notebook of Cornell pages?
Set Pages to the number you need (up to 30), tick Page numbers if you want them, and download the PDF. Print it double-sided with “flip on long edge”.
Is the Cornell notes template free to use for a class?
Yes. Print or share as many copies as you like; there is no watermark, sign-up or limit.
Does the template work on A5 or in landscape?
Yes. A5 portrait gives a compact page with the same proportions; landscape A4 or Letter suits wide tables and diagrams in the notes area.