Cue notation is a method for transcribing handshape and placement sequences in written form. This system is not meant to serve as written language for Cued Speech users. Native cuers simply use the written form of the language they cue (e.g., written English for cued English users). Cue notation, on the other hand, simply indicates how a word is cued, which can be helpful for students who learn the system as adults.
Each handshape is assigned a number from one to eight. (This number is solely for reference and does not indicate the how the English words for numbers are cued.) The numbers generally correspond to the number of extended fingers when the handshape is formed. For example, the handshape for /d/ (an extended pointer finger) is referred to as Handshape 1. The handshape for /k/ (an extended index and middle finger) is referred to as Handshape 2. The handshape for /h/ (with extended middle, ring, and pinky fingers) is referred to as Handshape 3. After Handshape 5 (for which all five fingers are extended), the thumb carries a value of five. So the handshape for /l/ (with the thumb and index finger extended) is referred to as Handshape 6. The exception to these rules is Handshape 8. Handhshape 8 is formed similarly to Handshape 2 by extending the index and middle finger, however, the fingers are spread apart.
One exceeption to the numbering system is found in the Cued Speech adaptation for Polish, fonogesty.
The placements are each assigned a letter corresponding to the first letter of the name for the placement. The letter "c" stands for the "chin" and "m" stands for the "mouth".
| Cue | Cue Notation Symbol |
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| s (side) | |
| sf (side-forward) | |
| sd (side-down) | |
| m (mouth) | |
| c (chin) | |
| t (throat) |