How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube Step by Step

The Rubik’s Cube has fascinated generations of puzzle lovers since its invention in 1974. Whether sitting in your schoolbag, office desk, or living room shelf, it’s a universal symbol of curiosity, persistence, and achievement. But for many of us, the colorful matrix of twisting squares presents one clear challenge—how do you solve it without throwing it against a wall?

The good news? Solving a Rubik’s Cube isn’t just for speedcubing champions. With the right method, even beginners can match all six faces. This guide will walk you through a beginner-friendly, step-by-step method to solve the classic 3×3 Rubik’s Cube. Along the way, you’ll learn about problem-solving, spatial awareness, and key algorithms that can open the door to your solving success.

Grab your cube, and let’s get started!

What Is a Rubik’s Cube?

At its core, the standard 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is a 3-dimensional puzzle with:

• 6 faces (white, yellow, blue, green, orange, and red).
• 26 smaller rotating cubes or “cubies.”
• Over 43 quintillion possible combinations.

Each center square represents the permanent color of its side, while edges and corners shift with every twist. Matching the cube’s full pattern may seem impossible at first, but with systematic strategies, chaos becomes harmony. Solving a Rubik’s Cube successfully is a valuable learning experience—plus, it’s a party trick no one forgets.

Fun Fact:

The current world record for solving a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube is under 3.5 seconds, set by speedcuber Max Park in 2023. While you won’t need to break records, you can certainly impress your friends by solving it step by step!

Why Solve a Rubik’s Cube?

Beyond its wow factor, solving a Rubik’s Cube offers several cognitive and lifestyle benefits:

• Enhances problem-solving skills by breaking a large puzzle into manageable steps.
• Improves hand-eye coordination as you combine movement with observation.
• Boosts memory and focus as you memorize patterns and algorithms.
• Encourages persistence and patience—traits that benefit you across all aspects of life.

How to Solve a Rubik’s Cube, Step by Step

Step 1 – Create the White Cross

The first step is forming a white cross on one face of the cube—this creates a solid foundation for the rest of the solve.

1. Position the white center piece on the bottom face.
2. Locate white edge pieces (two-color pieces containing white) and align them with their matching center pieces.
3. Use simple rotations to build your white cross, paying attention to any misalignments.

💡 Tip: Focus only on the edges without worrying about corners just yet.

Step 2 – Solve the White Corners

With your white cross complete, it’s time to solve the white corners (three-color pieces containing white):

1. Keep the white face on the bottom.
2. Locate white-corner pieces in the top layer and position them between the correct center colors.
3. Use the handy R U R’ U’ algorithm to slot them into place.

Repeat this process until the entire white layer is solid and matches its neighboring sides’ centers.

Step 3 – Solve the Middle Layer Edges

Now you’ll tackle the middle layer by solving the non-yellow edge pieces.

1. Identify a non-yellow edge piece in the top layer.
2. Match its side color to the correct center piece (front-center alignment).
3. Depending on its position, use the Left Algorithm (U’ L’ U L U F U’ F’) or Right Algorithm (U R U’ R’ U’ F’ U F) to place the edge piece correctly.

📌 Don’t worry—it gets easier with practice!

Step 4 – Create the Yellow Cross

Once the first two layers are done, flip the cube so yellow is on top. The next task is creating a yellow cross.

1. Observe your top face—yellow edges will either be in a line, an “L” shape, or a dot pattern.
2. Use the F R U R’ U’ F’ algorithm repeatedly to turn them into a yellow cross.

Fun Challenge: Try solving this step intuitively before relying on the algorithm.

Step 5 – Position the Yellow Edges

With the yellow cross complete, you’ll align the yellow edge pieces with their correct centers.

1. Rotate the top layer until two edge pieces match the center colors.
2. Use the R U R’ U R U2 R’ algorithm to position all four yellow edges.

💡 Quick Fix: If only two edges align, repeat the algorithm twice.

Step 6 – Position the Yellow Corners

Now it’s time to ensure the yellow corner pieces are in their correct spots, even if they’re not oriented correctly yet.

1. Find a correctly-positioned yellow-corner piece (but not necessarily oriented).
2. Hold the cube so that piece is in the front-right position and perform the U R U’ L’ U R’ U’ L algorithm.

Repeat until all corners are correctly positioned.

Step 7 – Orient the Yellow Corners

Your final challenge is orienting (rotating) the yellow corners to complete the cube!

1. Hold the cube with an unsolved yellow corner at the front-right position.
2. Use the R’ D’ R D algorithm repeatedly until the yellow sticker faces upward.
3. Rotate the top layer to the next unsolved corner and repeat.

📌 Don’t stress if the cube looks messy during this step—trust the process!

Step 8 – Final Adjustments

Before celebrating, ensure the edges and corners are fully aligned. If necessary, cycle misplaced pieces using algorithms like F2 U R’ L F2 L’ R U F2.

🎉 Bravo! You’ve solved the Rubik’s Cube!

Tips for Mastering the Rubik’s Cube

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you solve, the quicker and more fluid you’ll become.
2. Be Patient: Solving the cube is as much about strategy as it is persistence.
3. Master Algorithms in Steps: Break down the process—and memorize algorithms one by one.
4. Use Online Resources: Tools like cube-solving simulators and video tutorials can deepen your understanding.

Keep Twisting and Turning

Solving a Rubik’s Cube might feel challenging at first, but it’s one of the most gratifying puzzle-solving experiences. With consistent practice and clear algorithms, you’ll unlock a skill you never thought possible—and maybe even inspire others to take on the cube.

Looking for ways to master the cube faster? Check out advanced cubing techniques, or explore our recommended Rubik’s Cube collection for tools tailored to speedcubing enthusiasts. Now, pick up that puzzle and show it who’s boss!

FAQs

What are the 7 steps to solving a Rubik’s Cube?

1. Build the White Cross
2. Solve the White Corners
3. Solve Middle Layer Edges
4. Create the Yellow Cross
5. Position Yellow Edges
6. Position Yellow Corners
7. Orient Yellow Corners

How do beginners solve a Rubik’s Cube?

For beginners, solving layer by layer (using simple algorithms) makes the process clear and approachable.