Printable Cornell notes template
The Cornell method splits each page into a narrow cue column, a wide notes area and a summary box at the bottom, so reviewing your notes later takes minutes instead of hours.
26 note lines · 8 mm apart
Ready-to-print cornell notes templates
Print one as it is, download the PDF, or load it into the editor above to adjust it first.
8 mm
7 mm
Wide ruled · US
College ruled · US
What is cornell notes?
The Cornell note-taking system was developed at Cornell University in the 1950s. You take notes in the right-hand area during a lecture, write key questions and keywords in the left-hand cue column afterwards, and sum up the page in a few sentences at the bottom. Covering the notes and answering the cues from memory turns every page into a self-test. The classic layout uses a 2.5 inch cue column and a 2 inch summary area.
What cornell notes is used for
- Lecture and class notes
- Studying from textbooks and online courses
- Meeting notes with action points in the cue column
- Exam revision by testing yourself with the cues
Cornell notes on A4, Letter and other paper sizes
| Paper size | Printed area | At default settings |
|---|---|---|
| A4default210 × 297 mm | 186 × 273 mm | 26 note lines · 8 mm apart |
| US Letter8.5 × 11 in | 191.9 × 255.4 mm | 24 note lines · 8 mm apart |
| A5148 × 210 mm | 124 × 186 mm | 15 note lines · 8 mm apart |
| A3297 × 420 mm | 273 × 396 mm | 41 note lines · 8 mm apart |
| US Legal8.5 × 14 in | 191.9 × 331.6 mm | 33 note lines · 8 mm apart |
How to print cornell notes at actual size
- 01
Click “Download PDF” and open the file in your PDF viewer.
- 02
In the print dialog, set the scale to 100% or “Actual size”, not “Fit to page”.
- 03
Choose the paper size that matches your settings and print. Measure one square or line with a ruler to check.
Cornell notes: frequently asked questions
How wide is the cue column on Cornell notes?
The classic layout uses a cue column about 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) wide and a summary area about 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Adjust both under Pattern to suit your handwriting.
What goes in each section?
Write your notes in the large right-hand area, add questions and keywords to the cue column after class, and summarize the main ideas in the box at the bottom.
Can I print Cornell notes without the title area?
Yes. Untick “Title area at the top” to start the ruled lines right at the top margin.