How to Solve the Last Layer of A Rubik's Cube in 2025

Solving the last layer of a Rubik's Cube is the final step in completing the puzzle. This step consists of two main parts: orienting the last layer (OLL) and permuting the last layer (PLL). Follow this step-by-step guide to master solving the last layer of a Rubik's Cube with ease! Let's dive into how to solve the last layer of a Rubik's Cube.

Before You Start

Before checking the steps to solve the Rubik's Cube final layer, make sure the first two layers (F2L) are fully solved. If not, practice solving them first. Additionally, when trying to solve the third layer, you need to keep the white face down and the yellow face up. Here are some basic moves for the final layer:

• U = Turn the top layer clockwise (like a clock).
• U' = Turn the top layer counterclockwise (left).
• R = Turn the right face clockwise.
• F = Turn the front face clockwise.
• L = Turn the left face clockwise.

Tip: Try the AI-powered Cube Solver app to get your 2x2, 3x3, or 4x4 cube solved effortlessly and quickly.

Step 1: Create the Yellow Cross (OLL)

How to solve third layer of Rubik's Cube? Before finishing the Rubik's Cube, you need to make a yellow cross on the top layer. There are three possible cases:

Case 1. The Dot (No Yellow Edges)

How to solve last layer of Rubik's cube? Use this move until you get the yellow cross: F R U R' U' F' U2 F U R U' R' F'.

Case 2. The L-shape (Two Adjacent Yellow Edges)

To solve the third layer by creating a yellow cross, you need to use this move until you get the yellow cross: F U R U' R' F'.

Case 3. The Line (Two Opposite Yellow Edges)

Hold the cube so the line is horizontal and perform this move until you get the yellow cross: F R U R' U' F'.

Step 2: Fix the Yellow Corners (PLL)

In this step, you need to make all four top-layer corners show yellow on top by finishing the "Fish" pattern:

• Look for a corner where yellow faces up (this is the "head" of the fish).
• If there's no fish, do the Right Fish algorithm once to create it.

Here are some algorithms you can repeat until all corners are yellow:

• Right Fish (yellow faces front): R U R' U R U2 R'
• Left Fish (yellow faces left): L' U' L U' L' U2 L

Step 3: Position the Corners Correctly (PLL)

Here, you need to match corner colors with the side centers (e.g., a red-blue-yellow corner goes between red and blue centers).

1. Find one correct corner (colors match the sides).
2. Hold this corner at the bottom-right (yellow face still up).
3. Algorithm: U R U' L' U R' U' L (repeat 1-3 times until all corners align).

Step 4: Fix the Final Edges (PLL)

How to solve last layer of Rubik's cube? Lastly, move the last four edge pieces to their correct positions. There are two cases:

• Case 1: No edges are correct. You can use these moves: R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2. This moves three edges clockwise.
• Case 2: One edge is correct. You should place the correct edge at the back (away from you), then repeat R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2 until all edges are fixed.

Rubik's Cube Last Layer Algorithms List

Save these key moves to solve the final layer. Check the Rubik Cube last layer algorithms list:

Step	Algorithm	Purpose
Yellow Cross	F R U R' U' F'	Creates the yellow cross
Right Fish	R U R' U R U2 R'	Fixes yellow corners (fish pattern)
Left Fish	L' U' L U' L' U2 L	Fixes yellow corners (alternative)
Corner Swap	U R U' L' U R' U' L	Positions corners correctly.
Edge Fix	R U' R U R U R U' R' U' R2	Moves edges to their final spots.

Final Words

Solving the Rubik's Cube last layer is a satisfying milestone in your cubing journey. With patience, practice, and the right tools (like this guide and the algorithms list), you'll soon be solving the cube with confidence. Keep cubing, and remember—every great cuber started as a beginner!

How to Solve the Last Layer of A Rubik's Cube FAQ

Q: What is the fastest last layer method?

The fastest method is CFOP (Fridrich Method), specifically the OLL (Orientation of the Last Layer) and PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) steps. It uses 57 algorithms for OLL and 21 for PLL to solve the last layer in two stages. Beginners can start with the 2-look OLL and 2-look PLL, which require fewer algorithms.

Q: How to get yellow cross?

You can use the algorithm F R U R' U' F':

1. If no yellow edges are up, repeat the algorithm 1-2 times to form a yellow line or cross.
2. If you have a yellow line, place it horizontally and apply the algorithm once.
3. If you have an "L" shape, point it to the top-left corner and apply the algorithm.