This is a reference for some algorithms in solving the Rubik's Cube.

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Move notation

Cube algorithms are written as a sequence of face turns. Hold the cube with the face you are solving in front of you, then read the moves from left to right.

Move	Meaning
R	Loading cube... Turn Right face clockwiseR
L	Loading cube... Turn Left face clockwiseL
U	Loading cube... Turn Upper face clockwiseU
D	Loading cube... Turn Down face clockwiseD
F	Loading cube... Turn Front face clockwiseF
B	Loading cube... Turn Bottom face clockwiseB

Clockwise always means clockwise when you are looking directly at that face. For example, R is clockwise from the right side of the cube, while L is clockwise from the left side.

A moved followed by ' (read as prime) implies the move should be done counterclockwise, and if followed by 2 it implies it should be performed twice in a row.

The layer-by-layer method

This approach might not be the most efficient, but it's relatively easier to follow and a common method for beginners.

1. White cross

Solve the white edge pieces first, matching the side color of each white edge with the center piece on that side. This step can usually be done intuitively, so try to solve it with short moves rather than memorizing a formula.

2. White corners

Insert the white corner pieces one by one. For this, if you find a corner below where it belongs, you can repeat short R' D R D' style triggers until the corner drops into place with the correct orientation.

Below are algorithms for specific orientations:

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Raise corner right-facedR'D'R

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Raise corner front-facedFDF'

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Raise corner bottom-facedFLD2L'F'

3. Second layer

When the white layer is solved, flip the cube so white is on the bottom. Find an edge in the top layer that has no yellow sticker, align its front color with the matching center, then send it left or right.

Move the top layer edge to the left:

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Second layer: insert leftU'L'ULUFU'F'

Move the top layer edge to the right:

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Second layer: insert rightURU'R'U'F'UF

4. Yellow cross

Use this algorithm to turn the yellow stickers on the top into a cross. You may need to apply it more than once depending on whether you start with a dot, an L shape, or a line.

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Yellow crossFRUR'U'F'

5. Yellow cross edge alignment

Once the yellow cross exists, use this to cycle the top edge pieces until their side colors match the centers below them.

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Reorder top edgesRUR'URU2R'U

6. Yellow corner positioning

Next we'll move around the corners to their correct position, even if their orientation is not twisted correctly. The below algorith will switch around (counter-clockwise) 3 of the 4 corners (the right corner of the front face will remain in place).

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Reposition top cornersURU'L'UR'U'L

You'll need to repeat this algorithm from different positions until all corners are in their position.

7. Yellow corner orientation

With every piece in the right place, twist the final yellow corners using the same R'D'RD short sequence on each corner. You might need to repeat the sequence 2 to 4 times.

Keep the solved layers steady; only use U turns to bring the next unsolved corner into the working position.

Below example solves the last 2 corners, the first one takes 2 iterations of R'D'RD, the second one 4 iterations. Notice the use of U to switch the corners.

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Twist top cornersR'D'RDR'D'RDUR'D'RDR'D'RDR'D'RDR'D'RDU'