# How to solve a Rubik’s Cube: 3×3 beginner guide

Source: https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/
Language: en
Last substantive update: 2026-10-11

> Seven checkpoints, clear setups, and animated cases you can practise at your own pace.

Work through one layer at a time. The examples below let you practise a specific case with real turn animations. For moves calculated for your own scramble, use the [3×3 solver](https://rubikscubesolver.org/). A formula is useful only when your cube matches its setup.

Choose the last checkpoint you completed

## Before your first turn

Keep your cube beside the screen. Each example fixes one case; you will repeat some stages on other pieces.

1. Read R, U and the prime mark first. Keep one front face during a formula.

2. Match the target piece and the completed layers. Gray stickers can differ.

3. Finish the whole formula, check the stage goal, then continue.

[Learn the move letters →](https://rubikscubesolver.org/cube-notation/)

## 1. Build a cross with matching side colors

[A white cross with aligned side colors](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

What this stage should look like when finished

### A white cross with aligned side colors

Each white edge touches the white center, and its side sticker matches that side’s center.

**Why this helps:** Edges establish the four side colors. A white cross with mismatched sides puts pieces in the wrong slots.

Hold white on top. Find the four edges containing white. Place each beside the white center, with its other color touching the matching side center. A white plus with mismatched side colors is unfinished. Work on edges first; the four corners can wait.

For an edge in the bottom layer with white facing down, align its side color with the matching center and turn that face halfway. If an edge is trapped or flipped, move it into the bottom layer first, then line it up.

### Where is your white edge?

Choose the matching starting position. Read the setup before turning.

These examples use a white–green edge and a green front. For another edge, use its other color as the front instead. Match both the position and the direction of white. In a middle-layer case, if white faces the right side instead of you, use the “white faces right” case; use the corresponding left case on the left.

#### Below · white faces down

Keep white on top. Put the white–green edge at bottom-front, with green facing the green center. White points down.

Turn F2. The edge rises into the white cross with both colors aligned.

`F2`

The white edges already aligned with their centers stay colored, so you can check that the formula brings them back.

1 · Move this piece→2 · Put it here

[Below · white faces down · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[Below · white faces down · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`F2`

The arrow points to the destination, not the turning direction. Follow the formula below.

**Check after the whole formula：**The edge is in the cross. Corners and later layers still need work.

#### Below · white faces you

Keep white on top and green in front. The white–green edge is at bottom-front, but white faces you and green points down.

Do F′ R′ D′ R to turn the edge over in the bottom layer, then F2 to insert it. Finish all five moves; a finished edge can move temporarily.

`F' R' D' R F2`

#### Middle · front-right

Keep white on top. The white sticker is on the front-right edge, facing you. This example uses the white–green edge with the green center in front.

Do R′ D′ R to bring it below the front center, white down. Finish with F2. R restores the right side before insertion.

`R' D' R F2`

#### Middle · front-left

Keep white on top and green in front. The white–green edge is in the front-left middle position, with white facing you.

Do L D L′ to bring it to bottom-front and restore the left side, then F2 to insert it.

`L D L' F2`

#### Middle · white faces right

White on top, green in front. The white–green edge is at front-right, with green facing you and white facing right.

F′ brings this edge straight into the top-front cross slot. Check white on top and green beside its center.

`F'`

#### Middle · white faces left

White on top, green in front. The white–green edge is at front-left, with green facing you and white facing left.

F brings this edge straight into the top-front cross slot. Check its two colors before choosing the next white edge.

`F`

#### Top · edge flipped

White on top, green in front. The white–green edge is at top-front, but its white sticker faces you. The other three cross edges are aligned.

F2 takes it downstairs. It is now the “Below · white faces you” case: do F′ R′ D′ R F2. Check the three other cross edges again at the end.

`F2 F' R' D' R F2`

#### Top · wrong side color

White stays on top. In this example, the white–green edge is at top-back with white up, opposite the green center in front. Other starting slots need a different D alignment.

B2 brings this edge down, D2 moves it below its green center, and F2 inserts it. For your cube: lower the wrong edge, align its side color using D, then insert at that face. Repeat for any remaining wrong edges.

`B2 D2 F2`

### A white plus is only half the check

[White cross with side stickers not matching their centers](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Still needs alignment**White is on top, but the side colors do not meet their centers.

[White cross with matching side centers](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Ready for the corners**Each edge matches white and its side center. Check all four sides.

Try turning only U to line up the sides. If all four cannot match together, one or more edges are in the wrong slots. Move each misplaced edge into the bottom layer, line up its side color with its center, and bring it back with a half turn.

## 2. Finish the white corners

[One whole layer, not just one white face](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

What this stage should look like when finished

### One whole layer, not just one white face

White fills the top face, and every side has a matching top row.

**Why this helps:** A corner has three colors. Matching its side colors places it between the correct centers.

Keep white on top. Find a white corner and identify its slot from all three colors. Turn the whole cube so that slot is at the top-front-right, then use D turns to put the corner immediately below it. Repeat `R' D' R D` until it enters correctly. Finish all four turns of each repetition. Depending on its orientation, insertion takes one, three or five repetitions.

If the corner is already in the top layer but wrong, use the same sequence to move it out first. Check that the entire first layer matches its side centers before continuing. The example below shows the corner and its destination.

### Which way does the white corner sticker face?

Choose the matching starting position. Read the setup before turning.

#### White faces right · 1 cycle

Keep white on top. Put the target corner at bottom-front-right, below its own top-front-right slot. Its white sticker faces right.

Do R′ D′ R D once. Finish D even if white already appears on top. Check the corner’s two side colors too.

`R' D' R D`

One cycle means all four moves R′ D′ R D. Do not add D or turn the whole cube between cycles on the same corner.

The completed white cross and corners already in place stay colored. Only the next corner is being inserted.

1 · Move this piece→2 · Put it here

[White faces right · 1 cycle · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[White faces right · 1 cycle · After the first part](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After the first part**`R' D'`Check the intermediate position, then finish the remaining moves.

[White faces right · 1 cycle · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`R' D' R D`

The arrow points to the destination, not the turning direction. Follow the formula below.

**Check after the whole formula：**This white corner is in place. Other corners still need work; the cube is not solved.

#### White faces down · 3 cycles

White on top. The target corner is at bottom-front-right, directly below its matching slot, with white facing down.

Repeat R′ D′ R D three times: 12 moves. After one cycle the corner is upstairs but still twisted. Keep the same front and finish the other two cycles.

`R' D' R D R' D' R D R' D' R D`

One cycle means all four moves R′ D′ R D. Do not add D or turn the whole cube between cycles on the same corner.

#### White faces you · 5 cycles

White on top. Put the target corner at bottom-front-right below its matching slot. Its white sticker faces you.

Repeat R′ D′ R D five times: 20 moves. After one or three cycles it is upstairs but still twisted. Do not change the front or skip the last D of a cycle.

`R' D' R D R' D' R D R' D' R D R' D' R D R' D' R D`

One cycle means all four moves R′ D′ R D. Do not add D or turn the whole cube between cycles on the same corner.

## 3. Insert the four middle edges

Finish the white layer first, then hold it underneath. Find a top edge without yellow and line its front sticker up with the front center. You will insert this one edge using either the right or the left formula below.

Your colors may differ. Choose the direction by the side center that matches the top sticker. Keep this front throughout the formula.

### Right insertion: top-front → front-right

In this example, the green-orange edge sits above the green center, orange facing up. It goes between the green front and orange right centers.

Already complete: the white bottom face and its matching side row. These stay visible, along with any middle edges already placed. They may move temporarily, then return after all eight moves.

1 · Move this piece→2 · Put it here

[Middle edge: right slot · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[Middle edge: right slot · After 4 moves](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After 4 moves**`U R U' R'`

[Middle edge: right slot · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`U R U' R' U' F' U F`

The arrow points to the destination, not the turning direction. Follow the formula below.

The first four turns move the edge aside, bring it back to the top-front, and temporarily open the white layer. The next four insert it and restore that layer.

**Check after the whole formula：**The front-right edge is inserted and the white layer is intact. Other middle and top pieces still need work.

In plain words

1. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

2. `R`Right layer · clockwise 90°

3. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

4. `R′`Right layer · counterclockwise 90°

5. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

6. `F′`Front layer · counterclockwise 90°

7. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

8. `F`Front layer · clockwise 90°

Directions are always as seen looking straight at the named face.

### Left insertion: top-front → front-left

In this example, the green-red edge sits above the green center, red facing up. It goes between the green front and red left centers.

Already complete: the white bottom face and its matching side row. These stay visible, along with any middle edges already placed. They may move temporarily, then return after all eight moves.

1 · Move this piece→2 · Put it here

[Middle edge: left slot · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[Middle edge: left slot · After 4 moves](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After 4 moves**`U' L' U L`

[Middle edge: left slot · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`U' L' U L U F U' F'`

The arrow points to the destination, not the turning direction. Follow the formula below.

The first four turns move the edge aside, bring it back to the top-front, and temporarily open the white layer. The next four insert it and restore that layer.

**Check after the whole formula：**The front-left edge is inserted and the white layer is intact. Other middle and top pieces still need work.

In plain words

1. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

2. `L′`Left layer · counterclockwise 90°

3. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

4. `L`Left layer · clockwise 90°

5. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

6. `F`Front layer · clockwise 90°

7. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

8. `F′`Front layer · counterclockwise 90°

Directions are always as seen looking straight at the named face.

If a middle edge is in the wrong slot, use an insertion formula to move it upstairs. Then align it above its correct slot and insert it again.

[White below; two matching rows on every side](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

What this stage should look like when finished

### White below; two matching rows on every side

The bottom two rows on each side match that side’s center. The top layer can still be mixed.

**Why this helps:** The insertion takes one edge from the top into its slot and restores the first layer. The left and right sequences send it to different sides.

Gray stickers are outside this checkpoint; their color may vary.

## 4. Make the yellow cross

[Four yellow edges face upward](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

What this stage should look like when finished

### Four yellow edges face upward

Ignore corners for now. The top face needs a yellow plus; the side colors will be aligned next.

**Why this helps:** This formula changes top-edge orientation while returning the first two layers to their completed state.

Gray stickers are outside this checkpoint; their color may vary.

### Which pattern is on your top face?

Look straight down at yellow. Count only the four edges beside the center. Gray squares can be any color.

In plain words

1. `F`Front layer · clockwise 90°

2. `R`Right layer · clockwise 90°

3. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

4. `R′`Right layer · counterclockwise 90°

5. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

6. `F′`Front layer · counterclockwise 90°

Directions are always as seen looking straight at the named face.

Already complete: both lower layers. They stay colored and are restored after each full formula; the top corners can wait.

[A line → yellow cross · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[A line → yellow cross · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`F R U R' U' F'`

**Check after the whole formula：**The yellow cross is ready. Side alignment and corners are still unfinished.

Already have four yellow edges? [Move on to matching their side colors →](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/#stage-5)

One or three yellow edges, with the first two layers complete, is a reason to [check for a flipped edge or an input error](https://rubikscubesolver.org/invalid-cube/#pieces).

**A line:** Hold the yellow edges left to right, like a horizontal line. Do the six moves once. All four top edges will face yellow up.

**An L shape:** Put the two yellow edges at the back and left of the top face. Do the formula once to make a horizontal line, then once more for the cross. Keep the same front.

**Just the center:** None of the four top edges is yellow. Yellow corners do not count. Do the formula once. Turn only the top layer halfway (U2) to put the new L at back-left. Do the formula twice more.

## 5. Match the yellow edges to their centers

**Why this stage matters:** yellow facing up tells you an edge is oriented correctly. Its side color tells you whether it is in the correct slot. Finish with all four side edge stickers matching their centers.

Turn U and compare all four side stickers with their centers. If they all match, continue. If two neighboring edges need swapping, hold those positions at front and left, and use `R U R' U R U2 R' U`. This preserves the yellow cross while swapping those two edges.

### Which two yellow edges are wrong?

Choose the matching starting position. Read the setup before turning.

Already aligned on all four sides? Skip this stage. One of the four U alignments must give two or four matching edges. If none does, recheck the yellow cross and the completed lower layers before adding more moves. Rotate the whole cube around its vertical axis to put the wrong pair in the stated positions, then keep that front fixed.

#### Two neighbors

Yellow on top, the first two layers solved. First try all four U alignments. For this case, only the front and left edges need swapping; back and right already match.

Complete the eight moves once, including the last U. Check all four side centers, not just the yellow cross. The corners will be handled next.

`R U R' U R U2 R' U`

Already complete: both lower layers and the yellow cross. Keep them visible while aligning the top edges with the side centers.

[Two neighbors · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[Two neighbors · After the first part](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After the first part**`R U R' U`Check the intermediate position, then finish the remaining moves.

[Two neighbors · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`R U R' U R U2 R' U`

**Check after the whole formula：**The yellow edges match their centers. The corners are still unfinished.

#### Two opposite edges

Yellow on top, lower layers solved. Put the two wrong edges at front and back. Left and right must already match their centers. Keep this front for the whole example.

Do the eight-move formula, then U2. Repeat the eight moves and finish with U′. After the first formula and U2, some side colors still differ; all four align only after the final U′.

`R U R' U R U2 R' U U2 R U R' U R U2 R' U U'`

## 6. Put the yellow corners in their slots

**Your checkpoint:** compare each corner’s three colors with its three surrounding centers. They must be the same set of colors, even while yellow points sideways. This step changes positions; the next step fixes twists.

A corner is in its slot when its three colors match the surrounding centers, even if yellow points sideways. Hold a correctly placed corner at top-front-right and use `U R U' L' U R' U' L`. Repeat if needed. If no corner is correctly placed, apply it once, then find the fixed corner and set up again. Watch the example below to see the other three corners change places.

The completed lower layer or layers stay colored. On a 3×3, the aligned yellow edges also remain visible while the corners change places.

[Cycle the remaining corners · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[Cycle the remaining corners · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`U R U' L' U R' U' L`

**Check after the whole formula：**The corners are in their slots. Some still need twisting to put yellow on top.

In plain words

1. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

2. `R`Right layer · clockwise 90°

3. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

4. `L′`Left layer · counterclockwise 90°

5. `U`Top layer · clockwise 90°

6. `R′`Right layer · counterclockwise 90°

7. `U′`Top layer · counterclockwise 90°

8. `L`Left layer · clockwise 90°

Directions are always as seen looking straight at the named face.

## 7. Orient the last corners

In plain words

1. `R′`Right layer · counterclockwise 90°

2. `D′`Bottom layer · counterclockwise 90°

3. `R`Right layer · clockwise 90°

4. `D`Bottom layer · clockwise 90°

Directions are always as seen looking straight at the named face.

**Watch a whole example before trying this:** the bottom layers will look wrong halfway through. The demonstration below explains when to turn U and shows those layers recover. Do not repair them mid-sequence.

Keep the same front face throughout this stage. Put a misoriented corner at top-front-right. Repeat `R' D' R D` twice or four times until its yellow sticker points up. Complete the final D each time, even if the sticker looks correct sooner.

Turn only U to bring the next unfinished corner into that working position. Do not rotate the whole cube or change the bottom layers between repetitions. The lower layers temporarily look scrambled; they recover after all corners are finished. Finally turn U to align the sides. Follow the complete example below to see when the lower layers recover.

The completed lower layers stay visible. They look disturbed mid-formula and recover after the full sequence of corner twists.

[Two-corner orientation practice · Starting position](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**Starting position**

[Two-corner orientation practice · After the first part](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After the first part**`R' D' R D R' D' R D`Finish two complete cycles on the first corner.

[Two-corner orientation practice · After this formula](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-solve/)

**After this formula**`R' D' R D R' D' R D U R' D' R D R' D' R D R' D' R D R' D' R D U'`

**Check after the whole formula：**This final practice case is solved. Check all six sides.

## Check progress before moving on

First layer: a complete white face and matching side row. Second layer: both lower rows match every side center. Last layer: first orient edges, then place edges, place corners and orient corners. Returning to the previous checkpoint is easier than guessing extra turns.

These are standard beginner layer-method algorithms. The interactive examples on this page show their setups and moves, and are checked with this site’s cube model. They do not use or change your saved cube.

Method reference: Ruwix’s beginner guide.

## If your cube stops matching

Stop before adding more turns. If you know the last wrong move, undo that move on the real cube. Otherwise photograph or enter its current state to get a new solution. A tutorial example is not a solution for every scramble.

[Solve my current cube →](https://rubikscubesolver.org/)[Photo and playback guide →](https://rubikscubesolver.org/how-to-use/)