How to Solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube

The 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is the world’s most famous puzzle—and for good reason! At first, it might look impossible, but with a few simple steps, anyone can learn how to solve it. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the beginner’s method, a straightforward approach that doesn’t require memorizing a ton of algorithms.

Prefer to watch a video tutorial? We really like this one by JPerm!

Step 1: Learn the Cube’s Basics

Before solving, it helps to understand how the cube works:

• Each center piece stays in the same spot—it determines the color of that face.

• Edges have 2 colors.

• Corners have 3 colors.

So no matter how scrambled it looks, the cube always has the same structure.

Step 2: Solve the White Cross

Start by solving the white cross on the top face.

1. Find an edge with white on it.

2. Line up its other color with the matching center.

3. Rotate it into place to form a cross.

💡 Tip: Don’t worry about corners yet—just get a clean white cross where the edges also match the centers on the sides.

Step 3: Solve the White Corners

Now we’ll finish the first layer.

1. Find a white corner piece in the bottom layer.

2. Line it up under where it needs to go.

3. Use this algorithm until it pops into place:

R’ D’ R D

(That means: Right counterclockwise, Down counterclockwise, Right clockwise, Down clockwise). Repeat until the corner is solved.

Step 4: Solve the Second Layer Edges

With the white face complete, flip the cube so white is now on the bottom.

Now we’ll fill in the middle edges:

1. Look for a top edge piece (no yellow) that needs to go into the second layer.

2. Line it up with the center color.

3. Depending on where it needs to go, use one of these algorithms:

• To insert left: U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’

• To insert right: U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F

Do this until all middle edges are solved.

Step 5: Solve the Yellow Cross

Time for the top! We’ll start by making a yellow cross.

• If you see just a dot, L-shape, or line, use this algorithm (hold correctly before doing it):

F R U R’ U’ F’

Repeat until you have a full yellow cross.

Step 6: Solve the Yellow Corners

Now let’s place the yellow corners in the right spots (they don’t have to be oriented yet).

Use this algorithm until all yellow corners are in their correct location:

U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L

Step 7: Orient the Yellow Corners

Finally, we’ll flip the yellow corners so the whole top face is yellow.

1. Hold the cube so a yellow corner that needs twisting is in the top right.

2. Use the algorithm: R’ D’ R D until it’s correct.

3. Rotate the top layer and repeat for each corner.

Step 8: Solve the Final Edges

Almost there! The cube is solved once the yellow edges are in the right place.

Use this algorithm until they cycle correctly:

F2 U L R’ F2 L’ R U F2

🎉 And that’s it—you’ve solved the Rubik’s Cube!

Final Thoughts

The first time might feel slow, but with practice, these steps become second nature. From here, you can move on to more advanced methods like CFOP (used by speedcubers) or just enjoy impressing your friends with your new skill.

We’ll see you back in a month for your next challenge!