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CORNELL

What Are Cornell Notes? Study System Guide for Students

By Hassaan Riaz (Chief Educational Resource Designer) · 1 min read · Updated 2026-06-26

Structured for High Performance

Developed in the 1950s by Walter Pauk at Cornell University, Cornell Notes is a structured taking method that enhances memory recall. The layout divides the notebook page into three clear segments:
  • Cue Column (Left Side): 2.5-inch column for questions, keywords, and active recall prompts.
  • Lecture Notes (Right Side): 6-inch area for detail definitions, charts, and main lecture points.
  • Summary (Bottom Box): 2-inch footer box summarizing the page contents in 3-4 sentences.

Using this structured format allows you to cover the right side and quiz yourself on the questions in the left cue column. Generate a custom sheet on our Cornell Notes Generator.

H

Hassaan Riaz

Chief Educational Resource Designer

Hassaan designs educational aids and digital writing software. He has spent years researching penmanship, occupational motor skills, and layout grids to build learning resources.