Cornell Notes Template
Organize each page into three areas: cue questions, notes and a summary. Use the cues to practice recalling what you learned.
Topic / Course
Date
Cues
Notes
Summary
The Cornell method in three steps
1. Notes column — during class
Write your notes in the wide right column during the lecture or while reading. Use abbreviations and your own words — don't transcribe everything.
2. Cues — after class
Fill in the left cue column with questions or key terms that correspond to your notes. These become your self-test prompts during review.
3. Summary — same day
Write a 2–4 sentence summary of the main ideas at the bottom. Summarizing forces active processing and reveals gaps in your understanding.
From Cornell Notes to a Testopia quiz
Choose a test or flashcards in Testopia, then add your notes as a supported document or a clear photo. Check the generated questions against your notes; the app does not specifically extract only the Cornell cue column.
Cornell Notes page
Click "Print template" above to print this. Fill in the blanks by hand.
Cue column
Questions or key terms
Notes column
Main notes from lecture or reading
Summary
2–4 sentences summarizing the main ideas from this page
Practice from your Cornell notes
Choose a test or flashcards in Testopia, then add your notes as a supported document or a clear photo. Check the generated questions against your notes; the app does not specifically extract only the Cornell cue column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about the Cornell Notes system, how to use the template, and how to study with it.
What are Cornell Notes?
Cornell Notes is a structured note-taking system developed at Cornell University. A page is divided into three sections: a narrow cue column on the left, a wider notes column on the right, and a summary box at the bottom.
How do I use the Cornell Notes system?
During class or reading, write notes in the right-hand column. After the session, write questions or key terms in the left cue column that correspond to your notes. Finally, write a 2–4 sentence summary at the bottom of the page.
Why is the cue column important?
Cover the notes column and answer the cue questions from memory, then check your answer. This turns your notes into a practical self-testing tool.
When should I write the summary?
Write the summary as soon as possible after the lecture or reading session, ideally within 24 hours. The act of summarizing consolidates memory and helps you identify gaps in your understanding.
Can Cornell Notes be used for any subject?
Yes. The format works well for lectures, textbook chapters, research papers, and even video content. For math-heavy subjects, use the notes column for worked examples and the cue column for the formula or concept name.
How do Cornell Notes connect to Testopia?
Choose a test or flashcards in Testopia, then add your notes as a supported document or a clear photo. Check the generated questions against your notes; the app does not specifically extract only the Cornell cue column.
How many pages of Cornell Notes should I take per lecture?
Use as many pages as the material needs. Keep the notes readable and leave enough space for cue questions and a summary.
Is digital Cornell note-taking as effective as paper?
You can use paper or a digital document. Choose a format you can organize and revisit, and turn the notes into questions rather than only transcribing a lecture.