The layer-by-layer method solves a Rubik's Cube in 7 steps using only 7 short algorithms — not the 100+ that speedcubers memorize. First-time solvers average 4 hours spread over 2 days, then drop to under 3 minutes within a week of practice. The trick is to solve it in layers, not faces.

Step 0: Know the cube

A standard 3×3 cube has 6 faces, 26 visible pieces (corners, edges, centers), and ~43 quintillion possible states. The centers never move relative to each other — they define each face's color.

That last point is the beginner's lightbulb moment: if the white center is on top, white is the top.

Step 1: White cross

Put white on top. Find the 4 white edge pieces. Place each one so it matches both the white center and the adjacent side center (red-white, green-white, etc.). Should take 30 seconds once you get it.

Don't make a "daisy" — you want the white cross with correctly matched sides.

Step 2: White corners

Place the 4 white corner pieces. Each corner has 3 colors; the white sticker plus two sides tells you exactly where it goes.

Use this algorithm when a corner is in the bottom layer, below where it needs to go: R U R' U'. Repeat 1, 3, or 5 times until the corner clicks in.

After this step, the entire top layer is solved. One down, two to go.

Step 3: Second layer edges

Flip the cube so white is on the bottom. Now solve the middle-layer edges (4 pieces, no yellow).

Algorithms:

That's it. Two algorithms, one for each side.

Step 4: Yellow cross

Make a yellow cross on top. You'll see one of three patterns: dot, L-shape, or line.

Algorithm: F R U R' U' F'. Repeat until you get a cross.

Step 5: Orient yellow corners

Get all yellow stickers on top. Use R U R' U R U2 R' (Sune). Repeat, rotating the top, until all 4 corners show yellow.

Step 6: Permute yellow corners

Place corners in the right positions (colors won't match sides yet). Algorithm: U R U' L' U R' U' L.

Step 7: Permute yellow edges

Last step. Move edges to the right spots: R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2.

Done. The cube is solved.

The first solve takes hours. The second takes 20 minutes. By the 10th, you won't need the algorithms written down.

Why it works

Layer-by-layer preserves solved sections while working on new ones. Every algorithm above only disturbs the current layer's workspace and returns unaffected pieces to their spots. That's why it's beginner-friendly — you never undo your own progress.

Going faster

Speedcubers use CFOP, which solves the first two layers together and has 57 OLL + 21 PLL algorithms. World record holder Yusheng Du solved in 3.47 seconds in 2018 using this method. You don't need that.

🎮 Try it yourself: Tower of Hanoi — play free at whatifs.fun

A different layer-by-layer puzzle — same recursion logic as solving a cube.

Play Tower of Hanoi

Related puzzles

Train the same spatial-logic muscle with Tower of Hanoi, 2048, and Slitherlink.

For more brain-training games, see our best free puzzle games list and our brain games roundup.