Solve 1 Face of the Rubiks Cube
Solve one face of a Rubik's Cube by learning simple moves, recognizing color patterns, and practicing step-by-step algorithms through guided, hands-on repetition.
About this tutorial
Solve one face of a Rubik's Cube by learning simple moves, recognizing color patterns, and practicing step-by-step algorithms through guided, hands-on repetition.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick one color you want to solve and say its name out loud so you have a clear goal.
- 2
Step 2
Put the cube on the table and hold it so the color you picked is on the top face.
- 3
Step 3
Learn the U move by turning the top layer 90 degrees clockwise one time and practice it once.
- 4
Step 4
Learn the U' move by turning the top layer 90 degrees counterclockwise one time and practice it once.
- 5
Step 5
Learn the R move by turning the right face 90 degrees clockwise one time and practice it once.
- 6
Step 6
Learn the R' move by turning the right face 90 degrees counterclockwise one time and practice it once.
- 7
Step 7
Learn the F move by turning the front face 90 degrees clockwise one time and practice it once.
- 8
Step 8
Learn the F' move by turning the front face 90 degrees counterclockwise one time and practice it once.
- 9
Step 9
Find an edge piece that has your chosen color and rotate the top layer so that edge sits in the front-middle position.
- 10
Step 10
Turn the front face 90 degrees clockwise one time to move that edge piece up onto the top face.
- 11
Step 11
Repeat Steps 9 and 10 until all four edge pieces on the top face show your chosen color and you have a cross.
- 12
Step 12
Rotate the top layer to bring a corner piece that does not show your chosen color on top into the top-front-right position.
- 13
Step 13
Perform the corner algorithm R U R' U' repeatedly until the chosen color appears on the top of that corner.
- 14
Step 14
Repeat Steps 12 and 13 for each of the four corners until the entire top face is your chosen color.
- 15
Step 15
Share a photo or video of your finished face on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I teach a child to solve one face of a Rubik's Cube?
Start by choosing one color and show the fixed center piece as the target. Teach them to make the edge pieces match the center (a simple cross), then place the four corner pieces. Use short, repeatable move sequences (like R U Ri Ui slowly) and demonstrate each step slowly. Practice hands-on repetition, break the task into small goals, and praise progress. Repeat until the child recognizes patterns and can perform the steps independently.
What materials do I need to help a child solve one face of a Rubik's Cube?
You only need a standard 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, a clear flat workspace, and good lighting. Optional items: a printed or digital cheat-sheet of simple move sequences, a timer for practice sessions, and a tutorial video or app for demonstrations. For beginners, a slower or well-lubricated cube makes turning easier and reduces frustration.
What ages is solving one face of a Rubik's Cube suitable for?
Children around 6–8 years often have the fine motor skills and attention to start learning one face, though older kids and teens pick it up faster. Younger children (4–5) can try with hands-on guidance and simple explanations. Adapt pacing to the child’s patience and dexterity, and keep practice sessions short and playful to maintain interest.
What are the benefits of learning to solve one face of a Rubik's Cube?
Solving one face builds pattern recognition, sequential thinking, spatial reasoning, and fine motor control. It teaches following algorithms, patience, and persistence through trial and error. Short practice sessions also boost confidence as kids achieve visible progress. These skills transfer to math, coding, and problem-solving activities, making it a valuable, low-cost brain exercise.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a Rubik's Cube?
If you don't have a Rubik's Cube, use a 2x2 cube or make a cardboard cube covered with colored paper or stickers so you can practice the U, U', R, R', F, F' moves and the R U R' U' corner algorithm from the instructions.
My corner algorithm isn't working—what should I check?
If the chosen color doesn't appear when doing R U R' U', first make sure the target corner is positioned at the top-front-right as in Step 12, then perform each move slowly and in the exact order R U R' U' repeatedly until the corner shows the chosen color.
How can I adapt this activity for different ages?
For younger kids (about 4–7) simplify to Steps 1–11 and focus on creating the top cross with help practicing U, R, and F moves, while older children (8+) can complete Steps 12–13 independently, learn the R U R' U' algorithm, or time themselves to increase difficulty.
How can we make the activity more challenging or personal?
To extend the activity, decorate the cube with custom stickers, set timed trials to beat your best time for completing the face, or record a short how-to video of your moves to upload as the photo or video in Step 14 on DIY.org.