Solve Last Layer Edges
Practice solving the last layer edges of a Rubik's Cube using simple algorithms and pattern recognition to complete the cube and improve spatial reasoning skills.
Step-by-step guide to solve last layer edges
Step 1
Place the cube so your solved first two layers are on the bottom and the unsolved face is on the top (for many cubes this is white on the bottom and yellow on top).
Step 2
Look only at the top face and say which pattern you see: a dot (no yellow edges) an L-shape a line or a cross.
Step 3
Learn the move names used in the algorithms: F means turn the front face clockwise R means turn the right face clockwise U means turn the top face clockwise and an apostrophe (') means turn that face counterclockwise while 2 means a half turn.
Step 4
If the top already shows a yellow cross skip the next two steps and go to Step 8.
Step 5
Position the cube for the algorithm: if you see an L-shape hold the cube so the L sits in the back-left corner; if you see a line hold the cube so the line is horizontal left-to-right; if you see a dot just hold the cube steady.
Step 6
Do this algorithm exactly once: F R U R' U' F' (turn each face as named and respect apostrophes for counterclockwise).
Step 7
Check the top face and if it is not a cross repeat Step 5 and Step 6 until you see a full yellow cross.
Step 8
Turn only the top layer (U moves) to try to match the side colors of the yellow edges to the center colors on the four side faces.
Step 9
If all four yellow edge colors match their side centers skip to Step 11.
Step 10
If two opposite edge pairs need swapping do this H-perm exactly: M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2 where M means turn the middle slice the same direction you would turn the left face.
Step 11
If edges are still not matching repeat Step 8 and Step 10 until every top edge matches its side center and the cube is solved.
Step 12
Take a photo or write about how you solved the last layer edges and share your finished creation 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!?
I don't have a physical Rubik's Cube or my cube doesn't use white on the bottom and yellow on top—what can I use instead?
Use a virtual cube app or online simulator and follow the same orientation (white bottom/yellow top) and use your phone or tablet camera to take the photo for DIY.org if you can't use a physical cube.
I'm repeating the F R U R' U' F' algorithm but the yellow cross never appears—what might be going wrong?
Check that you're positioning the cube exactly as Step 5 directs (L in the back-left for the L-shape, line horizontal for a line, or steady for a dot) and perform the algorithm precisely with correct apostrophes before repeating Steps 5 and 6 until the cross appears.
How can I adapt this activity for different age groups?
For younger children, simplify by stopping after Step 8 once the yellow cross is formed and use colored stickers or slow guided turns, while older kids can practice the full sequence through Step 10 and time themselves or learn the H-perm (M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2) for speed.
How can we extend or personalize the cube-solving activity after completing the last layer edges?
After finishing and following Step 11 to take a photo or write about your process on DIY.org, personalize it by decorating the cube with new sticker sets, recording a step-by-step video of your Step 5–10 moves, or creating a timed challenge for friends to replicate your solve.
Watch videos on how to solve last layer edges
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4 Videos
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Facts about Rubik's Cube solving
⏱️ The official world record for a single 3x3 solve is 3.47 seconds, set by Yusheng Du in 2018.
🧮 A 3x3 Rubik's Cube has 43,252,003,274,489,856,000 possible configurations.
🎯 A standard 3x3 cube has 12 edge pieces total; the last (top) layer contains 4 edge pieces that you orient and permute to finish the cube.
🧠 Practicing cube algorithms builds spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and short-term memory — great brain training for kids.
🔁 The popular CFOP/Fridrich method breaks the last layer into OLL (orientation) and PLL (permutation), and many cubers practice edge algorithms separately.
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