Rubik's Cubes

How to Solve a 3x3

Giovanni Shammah

May. 27 2026

Before you get started, you should learn the basics of the Rubik's Cube. There are three different types of pieces: the center, corner, and edge pieces. The cube is also solved in multiple layers, starting with the white face, then the yellow, then the rest of the layers, in a few algorithms. Ok - without further ado, let's get started. 

Fundamentals: Learning Cube Notation

Before you start solving the cube, it is important to learn the basics of cube notation in order to understand the later steps. We will only be using a few different moves: R, R’, U, U’, L, L’, F,  and F’.

R means Right - this indicates that a turn of the Right face of the cube once upwards.

R’ means Right Prime - this indicates a turn of the Right face once downwards.

U means Up - this indicates a turn of the top layer of the cube once to the left.

U’ means Up Prime - this indicates a turn of the top layer once to the right.

L means Left - this indicates a turn of the left side of the cube downwards.

L’ means Left Prime - this indicates a turn of the left side once upwards.

F means Front - this indicates a turn of the front face of the cube once to the right.

F’ means Front Prime - this indicates a turn of the front face of the cube once to the left.

Step 1: The Daisy and White Cross

First, locate the yellow center piece on your cube. Keep in mind that the white side (white center piece) should be face down the entire solve. Next, find the white-red, white-blue, white-green, and white-orange edge pieces. Next, you are going to have to position the pieces so that the white edge pieces surround the yellow center. There is no specific method for doing this step - you will have to use your intuition. 

Once the daisy has been created, correctly position the colored edge pieces to their corresponding centers and rotate the face twice. For example, look for the white-blue edge piece, line the blue side with the blue center.

Turn the face twice (F2) to place it on the white side and repeat this for the rest of the edge pieces. Eventually, you should have a white cross on the bottom. 

Step 2: The Corners

Next, you will solve the white side by putting all the corners in their corresponding locations. First, locate any corner piece that has a white face on it. Then, you must put it on the top face in the correct location. If it is a white-red-blue corner piece it must go on the bar in between the blue and red center. The algorithm you will have to do is R U R’ U’. You will have to repeat this algorithm up to 6 times before it is in the correct place. 

The corner is in the correct spot if it has the white face down and the colors are corresponding to the adjacent edge pieces. Do this for the rest of the white corners until you have a completed white side. 

Step 3: The Second Layer

Next, you will solve the second layer of the cube by putting the edge pieces in the correct places. First, you will have to find the colored edge pieces; these are any edge pieces that do not contain yellow. You will then have to correctly position the colors to their corresponding centers. For example, if you have a red-blue edge piece with the blue side facing you, position it so that the blue is above the blue center and the red center is to the right. If it is the red side that is facing you, position it so that the red piece is above the red center and the blue center is to the left. These are two different cases that each require similar but different algorithms. 

When the top tile has its corresponding center to the left (after being placed in the correct position), do this algorithm:  U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’.

When the top tile has its corresponding center to the right, do this algorithm: U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F.

Repeat this for the remaining colored tiles and you should have the bottom half of the cube solved. 

*On the off chance that a colored edge is incorrectly placed in between two centers, simply perform any of the two algorithms to move it to the top layer. 

Step 4: The Yellow Cross

Next, you will solve the yellow cross by putting the yellow edge pieces in the correct places. 

For this step, you will have to recognize cases and position them as necessary. You will either have a bar, L-shape, or just a center.

*It is important to ignore the yellow corner pieces for this step as they are irrelevant for now. 

All three cases utilize the same algorithm, they simply require different positioning:

Once you have placed it in the correct position, do this algorithm: F U R U’ R’ F’.

Repeat this algorithm while simultaneously making sure you are in the correct position - you should have a yellow cross.

Step 5: The Yellow Side

Next, you will have to recognize patterns that include the yellow corners. Not to worry, as they all utilize the same algorithm: R U R’ U R U2 (2x) R’.

 In the case of a cross, just do the algorithm. 

*The algorithm [usually] has to be repeated multiple times before the yellow side is fully solved. 

When there are two corners on the same side, position them to the right and do the algorithm. When there are two corners on opposite sides, position the top corner on the left and the bottom corner on the right, and do the algorithm. When you have the fish, you are almost done: simply position it so that the yellow corner is in the bottom left and do the algorithm. 

Once you have done all these steps, you should have a completed yellow side.

Step 6: The Last Layer (Part 1)

For this step, you will begin with either a full color bar (directly above the two solved layers), two corners, or nothing in the correct spot (in this case, simply do the algorithm). If you have a full color bar or two correct corners, put them with their corresponding colors. For example, if you have blue corners or a blue bar, put it to the blue side. Once you have correctly placed it, rotate the entire cube so the “solved” side is to the left. Once you have done this, do the algorithm, R U R’ U’ R’ F R2 (twice) U’ R’ U’ R U R’ F’.

After the algorithm is done enough times, you should have all the corners in the correct spot.

Step 6: The Last Layer (Part 2)

For this step, you will either have one completed color side or none. If you have a completed color side, rotate it so that it is at the back. Then repeat this algorithm, F2 U R’ L F2 R L’ U F2, until you have solved the cube. If you do not have a completed color side, perform the algorithm to get one. 

Congratulations, you have now successfully solved a 3x3 Rubik’s Cube!