How To Solve Rubik's Cube Step By Step Easily
Learn how to solve Rubik's cube step by step with simple moves. Perfect for beginners who want fast and easy solving tips.
Mar 31, 2025219 Shares8.7K Views
The Rubik’s Cube is a 3D combination puzzle made up of smaller squares that rotate on a fixed core. It has six faces, each with nine squares, and each face is a different color—usually white, yellow, red, blue, green, and orange. For those looking to improve their solving speed, learning step-by-step Rubik's Cube algorithmsis essential to mastering the puzzle.
The puzzle was invented in 1974 by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik. It was originally created as a teaching tool to explain 3D movement. In 1980, it became a global toy when it was licensed and sold worldwide. Since then, it has become one of the best-selling puzzles of all time.
The standard version is a 3x3 cube. The goal is to twist and turn the layers until each face shows a single color. Solving it requires logic, patience, and pattern recognition.
The Rubik’s Cube remains popular today because of its simple design and deep challenge. People enjoy solving it for fun, competition, or brain training. Speedcubing—the sport of solving the cube as fast as possible—has also kept the puzzle in demand around the world.
Understand The Cube’s Notation And Movements
What Is Cube Notation?
Cube notation is a standard system used to describe the movements of the Rubik’s Cube. Each face of the cube is assigned a letter. This helps players follow solving instructions clearly.
Basic Notation Letters
- U– Up face
- D– Down face
- L– Left face
- R– Right face
- F– Front face
- B– Back face
When a letter appears alone (like R), it means turn that face 90 degrees clockwise.
What Are Prime Moves?
When a letter is followed by an apostrophe ('), it is called a primemove. This means turn the face 90 degrees counterclockwise.
For example:
- R'means turn the right face 90 degrees counterclockwise
- U'means turn the upper face 90 degrees counterclockwise
What Is A Double Move?
A letter followed by the number 2(like F2) means turn that face 180 degrees, or two quarter turns in any direction.
Examples:
- L2= Turn the left face 180 degrees
- B2= Turn the back face 180 degrees
How Notation Helps In Solving
Solving methods and algorithms use this notation to give exact move instructions. For example, a simple algorithm like:
R U R' U'
Means:
- Turn the right face clockwise
- Turn the upper face clockwise
- Turn the right face counterclockwise
- Turn the upper face counterclockwise
Using this system makes it easy to write, follow, and memorize solving steps.
Step-by-Step Guide To Solve The Rubik’s Cube (Beginner’s Method)
Step 1: Solve The White Cross
- Pick the white center piece as your starting face.
- Find the four white edge pieces (with white and one other color).
- Match the side color of each white edge to the center color on its side.
- Turn the white edge piece to connect it to the white center, forming a “plus” shape (white cross).
- Make sure the side colors of each white edge also match their centers.
Step 2: Solve The White Corners
- Look for white corner pieces in the bottom layer (white + two other colors).
- Match the corner piece with the correct spot between its three center colors.
- Use the Right-hand algorithm(R U Ri U R U2 Ri) to bring each corner to the correct position.
- Repeat for all four white corners until the entire white face is complete.
Step 3: Solve The Middle Layer Edges
- Find edge pieces in the top layer that do nothave yellow.
- Match the front color of the edge with the center color.
- Check which direction the edge should go (left or right).
- Use the Left or Right algorithmto insert the edge into the middle layer:
- Repeat until all four middle layer edges are solved.
Step 4: Create The Yellow Cross
- Make a yellow cross on the top layer using the yellow edge pieces.
- Check the pattern:
- Use this algorithm: F R U Ri Ui Fi
- Repeat until you get the yellow cross.
Step 5: Solve The Yellow Corners
- Find yellow corner pieces on the top layer.
- Use this algorithm until one yellow corner is in the right position (colors match centers):
- Keep doing the algorithm until all corners are in the correct spot (even if not yet rotated properly).
Step 6: Position The Corners And Edges
- Hold the cube so one yellow corner that needs to be rotated is at the front-right.
- Use this algorithm: R' D' R D
- Repeat the algorithm until the corner is rotated correctly.
- Turn the top layer to move the next corner into position and repeat.
- Don’t rotate the whole cube, only the top face.
- Once all corners are correct, rotate the edges if needed using this algorithm: F2 U L R' F2 L' R U F2
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
1. Wrong Rotations
What Happens:
- Many beginners turn the wrong face or the wrong directionwhile following an algorithm.
- For example, turning the left face (L)instead of the right face (R), or turning a face clockwise instead of counterclockwise.
Why It's a Problem:
- A single wrong turn can mess up the cube’s structure.
- It may undo your progress or make the cube harder to solve.
How to Avoid:
- Always know which face is Front, Right, Left, Up, Down, and Back.
- Remember:
- Hold the cube in the correct positionbefore each move. Keep one face facing you.
- Go slowly when learning. Don’t rush the moves.
2. Not Understanding Cube Notations
What Happens:
- Beginners often get confused by the standard cube notation.
- They don’t understand what R, R', U, U', L, L'mean.
Why It's a Problem:
- Without knowing the notation, it’s very hard to follow any solving guide or algorithm.
- It can lead to turning the wrong face or direction.
How to Avoid:
- Learn this basic notation:
- Watch a short video or diagram that explains each move.
- Practice each move one by one to understand the difference between clockwise and counterclockwise.
3. Misaligning Layers
What Happens:
- While turning the cube, beginners often rotate more than one layerby mistake.
- Sometimes they move the entire cubeinstead of the correct face.
Why It's a Problem:
- It shifts pieces that should stay in place.
- The algorithm will not work if the wrong layer is turned.
How to Avoid:
- Hold the cube with both hands and stabilizethe other layers.
- Only move one layerat a time as per the instruction.
- Make small, careful turns and watch which pieces move.
4. Skipping Steps
What Happens:
- Some try to move ahead before completing a step (e.g., solving corners before finishing the white cross).
- They might also try to fix pieces manually without using the proper method.
Why It's a Problem:
- Skipping steps breaks the structure of the cube.
- It leads to confusion and wrong placements.
How to Avoid:
- Always follow the correct order:
- Don’t try to solve single pieces randomly. Trust the process.
5. Changing The Cube’s Orientation Mid-Solve
What Happens:
- Beginners often rotate the entire cube in their hands without noticing.
- This causes confusion in directions like Right (R), Left (L), etc.
Why It's a Problem:
- Moves won’t match the guide if the cube orientation changes.
- Algorithms will no longer work as expected.
How to Avoid:
- Keep the white face at the bottom(or top) and the same face in front.
- If you need to rotate the cube, always re-orientyourself before continuing.
- Use stickers or a small mark to keep track of your front face when starting out.
6. Not Practicing Algorithms Properly
What Happens:
- Many think reading or watching once is enough to remember moves.
- They forget steps during solving and panic.
Why It's a Problem:
- Algorithms need to be done exactly in the right order.
- One wrong move can break the entire cube.
How to Avoid:
- Repeat each algorithm many timesuntil your fingers remember the pattern.
- Start slowly, then build speed once you feel confident.
- Say the moves out loud: e.g., “R U Ri U R U2 Ri”.
7. Trying To Solve Randomly Without A Method
What Happens:
- Some beginners move pieces around randomly to try and "fix" the cube without a clear method.
Why It's a Problem:
- It usually makes things worse and ruins any progress made earlier.
How to Avoid:
- Stick to the Beginner’s Methoduntil you understand how the cube works.
- Don’t guess or freestyle. Always follow a proven system.
- Once you're confident, you can explore faster methods like CFOP or advanced techniques.
Practice Tips And Tools For Faster Solving
What Is Speedcubing?
Speedcubing is the skill of solving a Rubik’s Cube as fast as possible. People who do this are called speedcubers. They use smart solving methods, fast hand movements, and practice regularly to improve their times.
Learn Finger Tricks
Finger tricks help you move the cube without using your whole hand. This makes you faster. Instead of turning with your palm, use your fingers for quick and smooth moves. Many top cubers use finger tricks for speed and control.
Use These Apps for Practice
- CubeTimer– A simple online timer that shows your solve time and keeps history.
- CS Timer– A popular web-based tool with detailed solve statistics, charts, and session logs.
- Twisty Timer (Android)– A mobile app that gives scrambles, timers, and graphs. Good for tracking solves anywhere.
- ChaoTimer (iOS)– Great for iPhone users. It gives inspection time, solve history, and more.
Try These Websites for Tutorials
- CubeSkills by Feliks Zemdegs– Offers free video lessons from a world champion.
- TheCubicle– Has guides, reviews, and speedcubing tools.
- SpeedSolving Forums– A community where cubers share tips and solve methods.
Use Timers to Track Progress
Timing your solves is very important. It shows how fast you are getting. Always use a timer when you practice. This helps you stay focused and motivated. CS Timer and mobile apps are good options.
Practice Every Day
Practice often, even if it’s just 15–20 minutes a day. Daily practice helps your hands get faster and your memory stronger. Focus on learning full algorithms and doing slow solves for accuracy.
Track Your Times
Write down your solve times or save them in your app. See how much you improve each week. Try to beat your own best time. It makes practice more fun and keeps you growing.
❓ FAQs
What is the easiest method to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
The easiest method is the Beginner’s Method. It breaks the solution into simple steps like solving the white cross, white corners, middle layer, and yellow layer. It’s perfect for new solvers and doesn't need many algorithms.
How long does it take to learn to solve the cube?
Most people can learn the basics in a few days to a weekwith regular practice. It depends on your interest and how much time you spend learning. Some learn in a few hours using apps or tutorials.
Do I need to memorize all the algorithms?
No, not at the start. The Beginner’s Method only uses 6 to 8 easy algorithms. As you improve, you can learn more advanced methods like CFOP, which has more algorithms but also gives faster solve times.
Can kids learn how to solve a Rubik’s Cube?
Yes, kids as young as 6 or 7 years oldcan learn to solve the cube. There are many kid-friendly guides and videos. Solving the cube helps children improve memory, patience, and focus.
Is there a universal solution for all cube scrambles?
Yes. The cube can always be solved using the same method, no matter the scramble. Whether it’s beginner or advanced methods, they all lead to a solved cube with the right steps.
What does “prime” mean in cube notation?
In cube notation, a “prime” (')means turning the face counterclockwise. For example, R’means turning the right face one turn in the counterclockwise direction.
What should I do if I mess up during solving?
Go back to the step where you made the mistake. Use a guide or app to check your moves. With practice, you’ll recognize mistakes and fix them quickly. Don’t restart unless the cube is too mixed up.
Are there mobile apps to help with solving the cube?
Yes. Some popular apps are:
- CubeSolver– Solves the cube with your input.
- GoCube– Smart cube with app support and tutorials.
- Twisty Timer– Good for timing and tracking progress.
How do I get faster at solving the Rubik’s Cube?
To get faster, practice regularly, learn finger tricks, and use a timer. Start with the Beginner’s Method, then move to CFOP for better speed. Focus on solving smoothly, not just fast.
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