How To Solve A Rubik's Cube - 4 Different Ways

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How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: 4

Different Ways
Posted by Melissa Brinks | Jan 1, 2020 12:00:00 PM

GENERAL EDUCATION
The Rubik’s cube—a 3x3x3 cube of mixed colored blocks—has been perplexing
users since it was created in the 1970s. Solving it is difficult enough, but
"speedcubers," or those who solve the cube at breakneck speeds, have renewed
interest in how to solve a Rubik’s cube for people around the world.
If you want to be a world record-breaking speedcuber, you have to start

small. This guide on how to solve a Rubik’s cube for beginners gives an overview
of the basic method, an introduction to Rubik’s cube algorithms, and even some
advanced tactics for those of you looking for some tips to boost your speed.
A Brief History of the Rubik’s Cube
The Rubik’s cube was invented by Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian sculptor and
architecture professor. Rubik hoped to create something that would help
him understand how a structure consisting of multiple pieces could have
those pieces moved without destroying the mechanism. It wasn’t until he
scrambled the pieces and had to fix it that he discovered its potential use as a 3-
D puzzle.
The first cubes, a test design, were released into Budapest toy shops in 1977
before being purchased by American toy company Ideal Toys. Ideal rebranded
the cube as the Rubik’s cube to honor the creator in 1980, and the toy became
hugely popular in the following decade.
Eventually, the Rubik’s cube fell out of popularity in the United States and many
other western countries; however, it remained popular in China and what was
then the USSR because the trend had picked up later in Communist
countries around the world. The popularity of the cubes in Communist
countries, especially ones as populous as China, ultimately kept the toys in
production.
The Rubik’s cube once again became popular in the 21st century, due in
part to the formation of the World Cube Association in 2003. Speedcubing
had always been popular among Rubik’s cube enthusiasts, but the formation of
this organization helped push fans to become ever faster in their solving
techniques.
Currently, China’s Yusheng Du holds the world record for solving a single
cube in just 3.47 seconds. But there are other records, too:
Jack Cai from Australia holds the record for solving a single cube blindfolded in
16.22 seconds
Feliks Zemdegs from Australia has the single-cube, one-handed record at 6.88
seconds
Daniel Rose-Levine from the US has the single-cube world record for solving with
just his feet, at 16.96 seconds
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube: Important Vocab to
Know
When it comes to how to solve a Rubik’s cube, it might look like following a series
of simple steps. In reality, though, it’s quite complex.
Before you even start trying to follow the numerous strategies for solving,
get familiar with the vocabulary. This will make it easier to follow the
confusing Rubik's cube algorithms and permutations you must use to solve it!
Ruwix.com
Edge
An edge piece on a Rubik’s cube is the part where two visible colors meet.
There are 12 edges in total.
Ruwix.com
Corner
As expected, a corner piece is located in the corner of each side of the cube.
They have three visible colors, and there are eight corners in total.
Ruwix.com
Center
Center cubes are located in the center of each side and have one visible color.
There are six in total, and, unlike the rest of the cubes, they do not move
position. Because they are fixed, the color of the center cube is used to
represent each side of the Rubik’s cube.
Layer
The part of a cube you turn, consisting of nine blocks. No matter which way you
hold the cube, there are three layers.
Faces
Like all cubes, the Rubik’s cube has six sides, or faces. When executing Rubik's
cube algorithms with the beginner’s method, it’s assumed you're looking at
the cube with the white face up, meaning the Rubik’s cube logo should be on
top.
With this in mind, Rubik’s cube notation works as follows:
Face Notation
Left Face L
Right Face R
Up Face U
Down Face (bottom of cube) D
Front Face (facing you) F
Back Face (facing away from you) B
Middle Face (center "slice") M
Entire Cube Y
Regular/Inverted Turn
There are two ways to turn a layer: regular and inverted. A regular turn is a
clockwise turn, and an inverted turn is a counterclockwise turn.
In Rubik’s cube notation, an inverted turn is represented with a lowercase i, such

as Ri. This would mean that you rotate the right side counterclockwise.
Algorithm
A Rubik’s cube algorithm is an operation, or a series of rotations, that

reorients the blocks into a desired outcome. They are usually written with a
capital letter denoting the face that should be rotated, a lowercase i if that
rotation should be counterclockwise, and a number 2 if it should be rotated
twice.
Permutation
Permutation refers to the act of moving the blocks into the desired formation, or
the arrangement of the pieces.
How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube: 7-Step Guide

The beginner’s method for solving a Rubik’s cube is still fairly difficult, so take
lots of breaks and don’t be afraid to use a solving tool if you’re really struggling
with a certain section. The more you practice, the better you’ll get. Don’t give up!
Note the two cubes of the same color beneath each arm of the white cross.
(Ruwix.com)
Step 1: Create White Cross
Begin by holding the cube with the white face up. You probably won’t start
with the white face finished, so remember that a face’s color is determined
by the center cube. That means that the face with the white center cube should
be facing up.
The first step to the beginner’s method is to create a cross on the white face.
There’s no strict algorithm to perform here, as there are so many potential
permutations of the cube. Instead, focus on creating the white cross using
intuitive movements.
When you’ve created the white cross, there should be two blocks of the
same color aligned on each face directly below the white block on the top
face. If that isn’t the case, keep working with the cube until those pieces are
properly aligned, or the next step will be much more difficult.
Note the top layer's three cubes being the same color as the center cube. (Ruwix.com)
Step 2: Solve White Corners
Now that the white cross is in place, it’s time to finish this face by solving the
white corners. Use the white cross foundation to organize your side color. By the
time you finish this step, you should have three cubes of the same color in
the top layer and one cube in the center of the middle layer of the left,
right, back, and front faces.
To solve this step, you’ll need to run through some algorithms, or rotation
patterns that result in a specific cube placement.
Rotate the bottom layer until a white edge piece is positioned below an empty
spot on the top face. Find the direction of the white piece you want to align
below and then run through the algorithm until the white cube is in place. If
you’re not quite ready for memorizing Rubik's cube algorithms, run
through the simple algorithm below instead.
If you find that your center pieces have migrated, you’ll need to get your
white cross set up again. If you run through these algorithms properly, the
center pieces should end up back where they began.
Simple Algorithm
Algorithm Explanation
1. Rotate the right face

counterclockwise.
2. Rotate the down face
Ri Di R D
counterclockwise.
3. Rotate the right face clockwise.
4. Rotate the down face clockwise.
If your white cube faces down after you’ve run through this algorithm, run
through it three more times. If your white cube faces left after running through
the algorithm, repeat it five times.
A white sticker facing right. (Ruwix.com)
If Your White Sticker Faces Right

counterclockwise.
Ri Di R 2. Rotate the down face
counterclockwise.
A white sticker facing left. (Ruwix.com)
If Your White Sticker Faces Left
1. Rotate the front face clockwise.

F D Fi
3. Rotate the front face
counterclockwise.
A white sticker on the bottom. (Ruwix.com)
If Your White Cube Is on the Bottom

counterclockwise.
2. Rotate the down face clockwise two
times.
Ri D2 R D Ri Di R 4. Rotate the down face clockwise.
counterclockwise.
counterclockwise.
Edge pieces mismatched. (Ruwix.com)
If the White Sticker Is on Top, but the Top Layer Isn't All the Same Colors
1. Rotate the left face clockwise.

3. Rotate the left face counterclockwise.
L D Li Ri Di R
counterclockwise.
counterclockwise.
Whatever position the white cube is in now, repeat with the appropriate
algorithm from above until the colors match up. There should be three of the
same color on the top layer and one in the center of the second layer.
Step 3: Solve Middle Layer
At this point, the white face should be completed, and each other face, except
the face opposite the white face, should have three blocks of the same color in
the top layer and one block also of that color in the center of the face.
Using the location of the top layer middle piece, we will now rotate the
cubes until we get the bottom two layers to all be the same color.
To begin solving the middle layer, rotate your cube until the completed white
face is on the bottom. Don’t worry about messing it up because you’re not
looking at it—as long as you follow the algorithms, everything will go back into
position.
The goal of this stage is to get the colored edge pieces into their correct place on
each face. There are three algorithms you can use to accomplish this. Find
which one suits your needs and you should have this section solved in no time.
Top layer, center cube needs to go to second layer left. (Ruwix.com)
If You Need the Center Top Piece to Go to the Second Layer Left
1. Rotate the up face counterclockwise.

3. Rotate the up face clockwise.
Ui Li U L U F Ui Fi 5. Rotate the up face clockwise.
counterclockwise.
Top layer, center cube needs to go to second layer right. (Ruwix.com)
If You Need the Center Top Piece to Go to the Second Layer Right

counterclockwise.
U R Ui Ri Ui Fi U F
counterclockwise.
Top layer cube is not in the proper position. (Ruwix.com)
If an Edge Piece Is Not in the Top Layer or It’s Oriented Wrong
U R Ui Ri Ui Fi U F U2 U R Ui Ri Ui Fi U F
counterclockwise.
counterclockwise.
9. Rotate the up face clockwise two
times.
counterclockwise.
counterclockwise.
Yellow cross. (Ruwix.com)

Step 4: Create Yellow Cross
This step is just like the white cross, but there are a lot more pieces to think
about since you’ve already solved a great deal of the puzzle. At this stage, don’t
worry if the edge pieces don’t match the face color. We’ll work on that later.
There are three different patterns you might see on your cube. Look at the top
face and consider only the shape of the yellow cross—ignore the edge pieces for
now. You might see one single yellow dot in the center, you might see an L
shape, or you might see a line.
Once you figure out your correct arrangement, run through the following
algorithm as many times as specified below.

F R U Ri Ui Fi
counterclockwise.
counterclockwise.
Yellow center dot. (Ruwix.com)
If You Have A Single Yellow Dot
Execute the algorithm three times.

Yellow "L" shape. Note the orientation, with the legs encasing the top left edge.
(Ruwix.com)
If You Have an L Shape
Rotate your entire cube until the legs of the L shape encase the edge piece in the
top left. Execute algorithm two times.
Yellow line formation. (Ruwix.com)
If You Have a Line
Rotate your entire cube until the line is horizontal. Execute the algorithm once.
The yellow cross has been completed, but the edge pieces aren't in the right
position. (Ruwix.com)
Step 5: Swap Yellow Edges in Top Layer
Now it’s time to make sure the yellow cross is oriented correctly so that the color
of the center cube of the top layer matches the face it’s on. We’ll be using an
algorithm that will switch the front-top and left-top edges.
Rotate your top layer until you find two edges that need to be swapped
with each other. If you can’t find two edges from different faces located on the
next face over, you can run through the algorithm twice.
R U Ri U R U2 Ri U
counterclockwise.
6. Rotate the up face clockwise two
times.
counterclockwise.
Yellow corners need to be positioned properly so they can go into their correct
spots. (Ruwix.com)
Step 6: Position Yellow Corners

Let’s get those remaining yellow corners where they belong. Right now, they
just need to go into the correct spots—it doesn’t matter if the orientation is
wrong.
First, look for a yellow corner that is in the right position, even if it isn’t yet on the
top face. Rotate the entire cube in your hands until the correctly positioned
yellow cube is in the front-right-top position. Then, cycle through the algorithm
below until the other three corners are in the correct position.
If you can’t find a yellow cube in the right spot, keep repeating the
algorithm on a random corner until you get it in the correct spot.

U R Ui Li U Ri Ui L 5. Rotate the up face clockwise.
6. Rotate the up right face
counterclockwise.
A finished cube. (Ruwix.com)
Step 7: Solve Final Layer Corners
We’re in the home stretch! Now that our yellow cubes are positioned, we need to
properly orient the corners.
Hold your cube with the upper piece you want to orient in the front-right-
top corner. Run through the below algorithm until that piece is in its correct
position. Once that one is properly oriented, repeat the process until the next
piece is in position, and so on, until the cube is solved.
Don’t panic if it starts to look as though you’ve messed the whole cube up. It will
go back to normal once you’ve finished getting all the yellow corners into place.
Don’t skip any turns, even if it looks like you’re done, as this can mess
things up!
You can rotate the top layer between complete repetitions of the algorithm to
put cubes in place.

counterclockwise.
Ri Di R D
counterclockwise.
How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: 3 Alternative

Solutions
The beginner’s method to solve a Rubik’s cube is just that: for beginners. If you
want to get into speedcubing, you’ll need to master some of the trickier,
but more efficient, methods.
#1: Fridrich Method
The Fridrich Method, also called CFOP, is one of the most prominent in
speedcubing. It’s both fast and efficient, eliminating many of the repetitive
algorithms in favor of accuracy and saving moves, but it’s also definitely not
easy. It’s recommended that you master the beginner method before moving on
to the Fridrich method so you have a core understanding of how the cube works.
The Fridrich Method works by dividing the cube into layers, which are solved
individually using algorithms, rather than solving each face. It consists of four
steps, outlined below, each with its own set of rules and algorithms.
Step 1: Cross
In this step, you’ll be forming a cross. Most speedcubers start with the white
cross for consistency’s sake, but you can use any color you like. We’ll refer to this
as the white cross.
For speedcubing, start with the white face down. You can solve the cube with
the white face in any direction, but practicing with it down will help improve your
speed.
Because there are so many possible cube arrangements, this step is done by
intuition. Practice a lot to get a deep understanding of how to rotate pieces to
form a cross quickly.
Form the white cross so that the sides of each white edge match the color
of the lateral center pieces. Turn your edge pieces so that they are in the
correct position, and move on to the next step.
The cross stage takes an average of seven rotations for speedcubers. The fewer
rotations, the less time lost in this step.
Step 2: First Two Layers (F2L)
The second step, in which the first two layers are solved, is also typically done
intuitively, although algorithms do exist. The layers are solved simultaneously,
meaning you should not solve each side individually.
There are 41 possibilities for what your cube could look like at this point.
You’ll need to solve the four corners of the first layer and the four middle-layer
edge pieces. To do this, combine matching corner and edge pieces into blocks.
Next, solve those blocks to their proper position and repeat until the first two
levels are solved.
Step 3: Orient Last Layer (OLL)
Now that the first two layers are done, we need to do the top layer. Our goal in
this step is to get the last layer oriented correctly—we don’t need to worry if
the side colors don’t match until the next step. We’ll get the upper face all one
color, which will be yellow if we have our white face on the bottom.
There are two possible approaches to this stage: the two-look OLL and the one-
look OLL.
Two-Look OLL
The first step of the two-look OLL, which is the easier but slower method, is to
orient the last layer edge pieces. To do this, there are three algorithms. You
might recognize these from the beginner-method stage in which you create the
white cross.
The second step is to orient the last layer’s corner pieces. This one has seven
different algorithms depending on the configuration of your top face.
One-Look OLL
In this version, you’ll use one algorithm to solve all variations and orient the
last layer. You have to learn many algorithms in order to execute this stage
properly, but it saves two to four seconds if you’re speedcubing. These
algorithms are organized by the shape they make on the upper face, so practice
this stage until each algorithm feels natural when you see the corresponding
cube arrangement.
Step 4: Permutation of Last Layer (PLL)
There are 21 potential arrangements of your cube at this stage, which

means that you have 21 different algorithms to learn. Once again, there are two
different methods: two-look and one-look PLL.
Two-Look PLL
In this version, you’ll solve the cube within two algorithms, which means you
have to learn fewer algorithms overall. However, if you want to solve cubes at
world-record speeds, you’ll want to know all of them. This version is great for
beginners, but those who want to be competitive will need to work on mastering
one-look PLL.
First, you’ll need to permute the corner pieces on the top face using one of two
algorithms: the Aa-perm and the E-perm.
Next, permute the edges. Once you’ve correctly permuted the corners, there are
only four variations and therefore four algorithms: Ua-perm, Ub-Perm, Z-perm,
and H-perm.
Follow the appropriate algorithm and you’ll have solved the cube!
One-Look PLL
One-look PLL will have you solve the Rubik’s cube with only one algorithm. This
requires a lot of memorization but can save you valuable seconds if you’re
competing.
Practice these algorithms a lot so they become second nature to you.
#2: Roux Method
The Roux Method, like the Fridrich Method, is for those experienced with solving
Rubik’s cubes. If you want to reduce your time from the beginner’s method,
learning the Roux Method can be a great way to accomplish that.
There are four main steps in the Roux Method.
Step 1: Build a 1x2x3 Block on One Side

Start with the L-side if you’re right-handed. By the end of this step, the edges
of the back, down, and front faces, as well as the corners of the down, back,
and left faces and the left and right centers, will be solved.
How you approach this step will depend on the configuration of your cube. With
so many potential solutions, you’ll need to solve this section intuitively rather
than by executing algorithms.
Step 2: Build a 1x2x3 Block on the Opposite Side
Don’t worry about being optimal here, since there are still so many possible
combinations. The creator of this method suggests focusing first on solving a
1x2x2 block by putting together a corner-edge pair and then adding in the
missing edge before solving for the last corner and edge. This lets you focus on
just two elements rather than all of them at once.
Algorithms depend on your unique configuration, so practice matching the

configuration with the correct algorithm until it comes naturally to you.
Step 3: Solve the Remaining 4 Corners
This stage is one of the most difficult in the Roux Method. It’s recommended that
you learn the cases little by little, building on each one as you practice more.
There are 48 potential ways your cube could be arranged here. How you
solve the cube will depend on the arrangement, so work through this collection
of algorithms with lots of different variations to get the hang of them all.
Step 4: Solve Remaining 6 Edges and 4 Centers
With so much of the cube finished, on average, most people need fewer than
15 moves to solve the cube from here.
The first step of this stage is to orient the edges. You do this only by moving the
middle and up faces, saving valuable movement since the other faces are
already oriented correctly.
Next, you’ll solve the right and left edges of the up face, which should
complete the left and right side layers as well.
Finally, solve the center and edges of the middle face. There are only three
possible cases for this stage, which eliminates some of the necessary
memorization, though there is potential for optimization.
#3: ZZ Method
The ZZ Method, created in 2006 by Zebigniew Zborowski, is a newer method of

solving the Rubik’s cube that's divided into three stages.
Step 1: EOLine
In this step, your goal is to orient all the cube’s edges (EO) while getting the DF
and DB edges in line (Line). If solved in this way, you can finish the cube by
rotating only the L, R, and U faces rather than all of them.
This stage takes an average of six moves to solve but shouldn’t take more than
nine; however, it’s the most difficult of the steps because it requires a lot of
forethought.
Step 2: First Two Layers (F2L)
In this step, you’ll be solving the first two layers. To accomplish this, build two
1x2x3 blocks on either side of the line you made in the EOLine stage. Again,
now that the edges are oriented, you only need to rotate the L, R, and U faces to
complete the cube.
Step 3: Last Layer (LL)
As you might have guessed, the final step is to solve the last layer. Like some
other Rubik’s cube solving methods, you can solve the cube with a two-look
system (two algorithms) or a one-look system (one algorithm). The two-look
system has 20 potential algorithms to be learned, while the one-look
system has a whopping 493 potential algorithms.
How to Solve a Rubik's Cube for Beginners: 3 Key
Tips
Learning to solve the Rubik’s cube is no small feat! Even the beginner’s method
can be tricky to execute well, so here are some quick tips to help you master
the cube.
#1: Practice, Practice, Practice
Solving a Rubik’s cube is hard. There’s no simple method—the beginner’s

method is still a long and detailed process that requires learning new
vocabulary and following steps that might be unfamiliar to you.
The only way to get better is to practice, so keep working at it until you can
feel your speed increasing as you go. Don’t give up if you feel like you’re not
getting anywhere—each repetition brings you closer to memorization!
#2: Use a Cube Solver If Necessary
Sometimes it can feel as though you get impossibly stuck, but a Rubik’s cube
solver can be the answer. If you can follow the steps of a solver to see how to
get yourself out of a pickle, you’ll be better prepared next time you run into
a similar situation. Don’t be afraid to let someone show you how to do it!
#3: Start Simple
Even if you want to get into speedcubing, start simple: master the beginner’s
method before you move on to others, as you’ll need that solid foundation to
understand how the cube works and how to move your fingers more efficiently.
Once you’ve done that, you can move on to advanced methods and learn all the
little finger tricks that make speedcubing possible.
What’s Next?
Looking to impress your friends with some new tricks? Learn how to make
slime!
In search of quirky and fun extracurricular activities, like solving a Rubik's

cube? Learn more about what extracurriculars are and why you need them.
Unsure how to turn your passion for speedcubing into something you can
write about on your college applications? Read more about how to write
about extracurriculars here!
Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article!
author image About the Author

Melissa Brinks Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of
Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English
with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent
several years tutoring K-12 students in many
subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them
prepare for their college education.
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How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: 4

Posted by Melissa Brinks | Jan 1, 2020 12:00:00 PM

If you want to be a world record-breaking speedcuber, you have to start

With this in mind, Rubik’s cube notation works as follows:

In Rubik’s cube notation, an inverted turn is represented with a lowercase i, such

A Rubik’s cube algorithm is an operation, or a series of rotations, that

How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube: 7-Step Guide

Step 1: Create White Cross

Step 2: Solve White Corners

1. Rotate the right face

If Your White Sticker Faces Right

1. Rotate the right face

If Your White Sticker Faces Left

1. Rotate the front face clockwise.

If Your White Cube Is on the Bottom

1. Rotate the right face

1. Rotate the left face clockwise.

Step 3: Solve Middle Layer

1. Rotate the up face counterclockwise.

1. Rotate the up face clockwise.

If an Edge Piece Is Not in the Top Layer or It’s Oriented Wrong

Yellow cross. (Ruwix.com)

1. Rotate the front face clockwise.

If You Have A Single Yellow Dot

Execute the algorithm three times.

If You Have an L Shape

If You Have a Line

Step 5: Swap Yellow Edges in Top Layer

Step 6: Position Yellow Corners

1. Rotate the up face clockwise.

Step 7: Solve Final Layer Corners

1. Rotate the right face

How to Solve a Rubik's Cube: 3 Alternative

#1: Fridrich Method

Step 2: First Two Layers (F2L)

Step 3: Orient Last Layer (OLL)

Step 4: Permutation of Last Layer (PLL)

There are 21 potential arrangements of your cube at this stage, which

Practice these algorithms a lot so they become second nature to you.

#2: Roux Method

There are four main steps in the Roux Method.

Step 1: Build a 1x2x3 Block on One Side

Step 2: Build a 1x2x3 Block on the Opposite Side

Algorithms depend on your unique configuration, so practice matching the

Step 3: Solve the Remaining 4 Corners

Step 4: Solve Remaining 6 Edges and 4 Centers

The ZZ Method, created in 2006 by Zebigniew Zborowski, is a newer method of

Step 2: First Two Layers (F2L)

Step 3: Last Layer (LL)

#1: Practice, Practice, Practice

Solving a Rubik’s cube is hard. There’s no simple method—the beginner’s

#2: Use a Cube Solver If Necessary

#3: Start Simple

In search of quirky and fun extracurricular activities, like solving a Rubik's

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