How to Solve the 3×3 Rubik's Cube

The Beginner's Layer-by-Layer Method (LBL) — used by millions worldwide. Follow each step, practice the algorithms, and watch your solves become automatic.

Notation Guide

Move Notation

Every Rubik's Cube algorithm uses a standard notation. A letter = turn that face 90° clockwise. Add ' (prime) = counterclockwise. Add 2 = turn 180°. Always look at the face directly to decide clockwise.

Move	Meaning	Direction
F	Front face	Clockwise
F'	Front face	Counter-clockwise
F2	Front face	180°
R	Right face	Clockwise
R'	Right face	Counter-clockwise
L	Left face	Clockwise
L'	Left face	Counter-clockwise
U	Upper face	Clockwise
U'	Upper face	Counter-clockwise
D	Down face	Clockwise
D'	Down face	Counter-clockwise
B	Back face	Clockwise
B'	Back face	Counter-clockwise

Step 1

White Cross

Build a white cross on the top layer, making sure the edge colors line up with their center pieces. This step builds the cube's foundation.

Goal

White cross on top with matched side colors.

Technique

Use U turns to align edges, then insert with F or R moves.

Check

All four edge pieces match their side centers.

Step 2

White Corners

Insert the white corners to complete the first layer. Hold the corner above its target and repeat the beginner insert until it clicks.

Goal

Finish the entire white layer with matching side colors.

Beginner Insert

R' D' R D

Check

White face is complete and side colors match centers.

Step 3

Middle Edges

Place the four middle-layer edges without disturbing the first layer. Use the correct insert based on whether the edge should go right or left.

Right Insert

U R U' R' U' F' U F

Left Insert

U' L' U L U F U' F'

Check

First two layers are solved with no misplaced edges.

Step 4

Yellow Cross

Create a yellow cross on the top. Depending on the shape (dot, line, or L), apply the algorithm until a cross appears.

Algorithm

F R U R' U' F'

Tip

Hold the L shape in the top-left corner before executing.

Check

Top face shows a yellow cross.

Step 5

Orient Corners (OLL)

Turn yellow corners so yellow faces up. Use the Sune algorithm until all four corners show yellow on top.

Algorithm

R U R' U R U2 R'

Tip

Repeat 1–3 times; the cube stays safe while corners orient.

Check

Entire top face is yellow (corners oriented).

Step 6

Permute Corners (PLL)

Move the yellow corners to their correct positions without changing their orientation. Look for two adjacent corners already in place.

Corner Swap

U R U' L' U R' U' L

Tip

Keep solved corners at the back-right before running the algorithm.

Check

All corners are in the correct location.

Step 7

Permute Edges (PLL)

Rotate the final edges to finish the cube. Identify whether the edges need a clockwise or counter-clockwise cycle.

Edge Cycle

R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2

Tip

Keep a solved side at the back to preserve orientation.

Finish

Cube is solved. Take a victory turn and start timing!