The 2x2
Learn to solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube using easy algorithms and hands on practice to build spatial reasoning and problem solving skills.
Step-by-step guide to solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube
Step 1
Choose one color to solve first and say it out loud so you know your goal.
Step 2
Learn and practice the basic moves until they feel easy: R means turn the right face clockwise 90° when you look at that face; R' means turn the right face counterclockwise 90°; U means turn the top face clockwise 90°; U' means turn the top face counterclockwise 90°.
Step 3
Scramble your cube by making about 20 random turns so it is mixed up.
Step 4
Place the cube so your chosen color is on the bottom and keep that face pointing down for the next steps.
Step 5
Make the bottom face by turning corners until all four stickers on the bottom are your chosen color.
Step 6
Hold the solved bottom face down and repeat the algorithm R U R' U' until the top face becomes one solid color.
Step 7
If the top is one color but the corners are in the wrong places, use the corner-perm algorithm U R U' L' U R' U' L and repeat it until all corners are in the correct positions.
Step 8
Turn the top layer (U move) to bring any misaligned corner to the front-right position and repeat Step 7 as needed until every face matches.
Step 9
Check every face to make sure the cube is fully solved and fix any leftover pieces by repeating the small algorithms you learned.
Step 10
Practice solving your 2x2 three times and time yourself with your notebook so you can watch your speed get better.
Step 11
Take a photo or write about your progress and share your finished 2x2 solving success on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a physical 2x2 cube?
If you don't have a physical 2x2 cube, use a free 2x2 cube app or practice the same R/U moves on a 3x3 cube while only turning corners so you can still follow the R, R', U, U' algorithms and time yourself in your notebook.
My top becomes one color but the corners are in the wrong places—what should I do?
When the top is one color but corners are misplaced, follow Step 7 and repeat the corner-perm algorithm U R U' L' U R' U' L and use the Step 8 U-turn to bring misaligned corners to the front-right position until every face matches.
How can I change the activity for different age groups?
For younger children focus on Step 5 'make the bottom face' and slow practice of single moves R and U with hand-over-hand help, while older kids can use Step 10 timing in their notebook and practice finger tricks to speed up the R U R' U' algorithm.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after solving the cube?
To extend the activity, decorate your cube or notebook, take the Step 11 photo to post on DIY.org, and set a goal to improve your average of three timed solves from Step 10 by a specific percentage.
Watch videos on how to solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube
Solving the 2X2 Rubik's Cube! EASY STEP BY STEP!
4 Videos
Solving the 2X2 Rubik's Cube! EASY STEP BY STEP!
Learn How to Solve a 2x2 Rubik's Cube (Beginner Tutorial)
How To Solve A 2x2 Beginner Method Tutorial | Cubeorithms
![How To Solve 2x2 Rubik's Cube: So Easy A 3 Year Old Can Do It (Full Tutorial) [KTFG 381]](https://img.youtube.com/vi/UYCeyu_pbTI/mqdefault.jpg)
How To Solve 2x2 Rubik's Cube: So Easy A 3 Year Old Can Do It (Full Tutorial) [KTFG 381]
Facts about Rubik's Cubes and spatial reasoning
🏎️ Many speedcubers solve the 2x2 in under 2 seconds; top competitors use specialized methods like Ortega to minimize algorithms and moves.
🧠 Practicing cube solving boosts spatial reasoning, short-term memory, and problem-solving skills — great brain exercise for kids!
🧩 The 2x2 Rubik's Cube is commonly called the "Pocket Cube" and has exactly 3,674,160 possible positions.
🔁 Unlike the 3x3, the 2x2 only has corner pieces — no edges or fixed centers — so solutions focus on corner permutation and orientation.
🛠️ You can learn to solve the 2x2 quickly: a few easy algorithms plus hands-on practice lets beginners solve consistently.
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