Invention and Popularity
The Rubik's Cube was invented by Hungarian architect Ernő Rubik in 1974. It gained immense popularity in the 1980s and has since become one of the best-selling puzzles globally, with millions of units sold worldwide.
Welcome to Learn to Cube!
Learn step-by-step instructions, algorithms, and techniques to solve the Rubik's Cube. You'll find symbols of some Basic Rotations in the Get Started section.
About the Rubik's Cube
World Records
The fastest recorded time to solve a standard 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube in official competitions has significantly decreased over the years. The current world record for a single solve is under 4 seconds.
Not Just a Toy
While often seen as a toy, the Rubik's Cube has applications in various fields. Researchers use it to study graph theory, algorithms, and optimization techniques. It's even used in robotics and computer vision.
Speedcubing Techniques
Speedcubers use advanced techniques including algorithms, finger tricks, and lookahead (planning moves ahead while solving) to optimize their solving times.
First Step: Making the Cross
The cross is a plus-shaped formation made on one face of the cube. It's recommended to make the cross on the white side.
Completing the First Layer
After making the cross, we arrange the corner pieces of the cube.
Bring corners above their respective places, then apply R U Ri Ui until the piece is inserted correctly. Repeat for all corners. Always complete the entire algorithm even if the corner seems correct.
Making the Second Layer
The second layer involves learning specific algorithms.
Right Side Edge Piece Algorithm
Left Side Edge Piece Algorithm
Final Layer: Solving the Top
The most challenging layer for beginners, but you're almost there!
Making the Yellow Cross
Keep yellow edge pieces as shown, with yellow side on top (not front).
Swapping Adjacent Yellow Edges
Algorithm for swapping adjacent yellow edges after making the cross.
Swapping Opposite Yellow Edges
Sometimes needs to be applied twice. First apply while holding as shown, then again as adjacent edges.
Positioning Yellow Corners
Find a correctly positioned yellow corner, hold in front-right-top, and execute:
If no correct corner, apply to any random corner first.
Orienting Yellow Corners
Hold cube with piece to orient at front-right-top, then apply:
Complete entire algorithm each time. Rotate only top layer (U/Ui) between corners.
Important Note
Many people mess up by skipping the last D turn when they see yellow facing up. Complete the entire algorithm each time. Don't rotate the whole cube - only do U/Ui turns between corners.
Congratulations!
You've solved your Rubik's Cube through hard work and determination!