This Cornell notes template gives every page three jobs: capture information, create review cues, and summarize the point. Copy it into a document or draw the lines on paper. It works best when you fill the notes area during class and return soon after to write questions and a summary.

Copyable Cornell notes template

NAME:                         COURSE:                 DATE:
TOPIC:

CUE COLUMN                    NOTES COLUMN
Keywords                      Main ideas, examples,
Questions                     definitions, diagrams,
Connections                   and short explanations
                              
                              
                              

SUMMARY
Write 2–4 sentences: What was the central idea? Why does it matter?

For a paper page, make the cue column narrow, leave the notes area wide, and reserve space at the bottom for the summary. Cornell’s own guide describes the same three-part structure and the sequence of recording, questioning, reciting, reflecting, and reviewing.[1]

How to fill it in

  1. Before class: add the course, date, and topic.
  2. During class: write short phrases, not a transcript, in the notes column.
  3. After class: add cue words or questions in the left column.
  4. Then: cover the main notes and answer from the cues in your own words.
  5. Finish: write a brief summary at the bottom.

Example: a short biology lesson

CUES                         NOTES
What is osmosis?             Water moves through a membrane.
Why does it matter?          It affects cell water balance.
Example?                     A plant cell in a salt solution loses water.

SUMMARY
Osmosis is water movement across a membrane. The direction depends on the
relative concentration of dissolved material on each side.

Can you use it in Word or a notes app?

Yes. Create a two-column table for the cue and notes areas, then place a one-row summary box underneath. ANU notes that the Cornell layout can be adapted to suit your needs and used in note-taking software.[2] The important part is preserving the review function, not copying an exact measurement.

For other systems that may fit a different class or assignment, see our note-taking methods guide. For student routines around review and organization, see our note-taking guide for students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cornell notes format?

Cornell notes divide a page into a wide notes area, a narrow cue or question column, and a summary section at the bottom. Use the notes area to capture ideas, add cues afterward, and write a short summary that states the page’s main point.[1][2]

Conclusion

Use the Cornell layout when you want one page to support capture and review. Keep the structure simple, add the cues after class, and make the summary explain the idea rather than repeat every detail.

References

  1. Cornell University Learning Strategies Center. "The Cornell Note-taking System"
  2. Australian National University. "Note-taking template"