BEGINNER METHOD
How to solve a Rubik's Cube step by step
Use this layer-by-layer method for a standard 3x3 cube. Hold the cube with the white face on the bottom after the first two stages, and read an apostrophe as a counter-clockwise turn.
Meet your cube
A 3×3 cube has three kinds of pieces. Start with the centers: they tell you which color belongs on each face.
Center
1 color · fixes the face color
Edge
2 colors · sits between corners
Corner
3 colors · joins three faces
These diagrams show stage goals, not a sequence of turns. Grey stickers are unspecified; they are not an extra cube color. This is a visual overview—use the notation guide or scan your cube for exact moves. Learn the move symbols →
White on top · stages 1–2
White cross + matching side centers Make the white cross
Match each white edge with the side-center color before moving to the corners.
What to check
Each white edge must also match the center on its side. A white cross alone is not enough.
Beginner tip
Match an edge’s side color before placing its white sticker into the cross.
Complete white face + matching first layer Solve the white corners
Use the right-hand or left-hand insertion sequence until each corner sits between its matching centers.
What to check
The white face and the adjacent row on each side should form a completed first layer.
Beginner tip
Use all three colors to find a corner’s home, rather than matching white alone.
Turn the whole cube over: white underneath, yellow on top · stages 3–7
White underneath + two completed layers Solve the middle layer
Move the four non-yellow edges into the middle layer without disturbing the white face.
What to check
Keep white underneath. The bottom two rows on every side should now match their centers.
Beginner tip
Choose edges without yellow for the middle layer.
Yellow cross; corners can face any direction Make the yellow cross
Orient the yellow edges first; the side colors can be aligned in the next stage.
What to check
The four yellow edge stickers face up. Yellow corners and side alignment are not the goal yet.
Beginner tip
A yellow center alone, an L, and a line are different starting cases. Identify yours before choosing moves.
Yellow edges match all four side centers Match the yellow edges
Cycle the top edges until all four side colors line up with their centers.
What to check
Each top edge’s side sticker matches the center directly below it, on all four sides.
Beginner tip
Rotating just the top face may align some edges; inspect all four sides before continuing.
Dashed corners: correct positions, orientation still pending Place the yellow corners
Move each corner to its correct location, even if its yellow sticker is not facing up yet.
What to check
Check all three colors of every corner: they must belong to the three surrounding centers, even if twisted.
Beginner tip
Being in the right position and facing the right way are different goals. The dashed outlines mark positions only.
All six faces are one color Orient the yellow corners
Twist the final corners one at a time. The cube may look mixed during this step, then it will resolve.
What to check
Check all six faces, including the bottom. Every face should have nine stickers of the same color.
Beginner tip
Follow a complete corner-orientation method and keep its required grip. Do not twist physical corners by hand.