How to Solve a 2x2 Cube
You can solve a 2x2 with just three steps and two short algorithms (plus one extra for a rare case). If you already know the 3x3 beginner’s method, you know most of it.
Moves use standard notation: R is the right face clockwise, R’ anticlockwise, U the top. Try them on the 3D 2x2 as you read.
Step 1: the first layer
Pick a colour, say white. Find a white corner and hold it at the bottom. Now bring the other three white corners next to it so the white face is complete and the side colours of the bottom layer match each other in pairs.
- Hold the cube with the finished white corners on the bottom and a gap at the front-right bottom.
- Turn the top until a white corner that belongs in the gap is right above it.
- Repeat R U R' U' until it drops in with white facing down (1, 3 or 5 goes).
Corner insert: repeat R U R’ U’ until the white corner drops in.
This demo starts with yellow on top, like the steps below.
Step 2: make the top yellow (Sune)
Turn the cube over so yellow is on top and the white layer is on the bottom. Count the yellow stickers on top, and use R U R' U R U2 R' (called Sune):
- One yellow on top: hold that corner at the front-left, then Sune.
- None on top: turn the top until the front-left corner has its yellow on the left side, then Sune.
- Two on top: turn the top until the front-left corner has its yellow facing you, then Sune.
Look again and repeat. You never need more than three Sunes. We checked these rules on every possible top-layer position with our cube model.
Sune with one yellow on top, held at the front-left.
Step 3: swap the corners into place
The top is yellow, but the corners may be in the wrong places. Look at the side colours of the top corners. Two corners on one side with the same colour are headlights.
- Headlights on one side: turn the top so they are on the left, then do R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'.
- No headlights: do F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F' from any angle.
- Finally turn the top until everything lines up.
Headlights on the left: this swaps the two right-hand corners.
What next?
Once you can do it every time, time yourself. Faster 2x2 methods like Ortega and CLL solve the top in one or two algorithms. If you get stuck, the 2x2 solver shows the shortest way out. Ready for more? Try how to solve a 4x4.
Questions people ask
How many algorithms do I need for a 2x2?
Two for most solves: Sune and the T perm. A third (the Y perm) handles corners that need swapping across the top.
Why don’t the 3x3 moves work for my 2x2?
Most corner moves do work. Edge moves don’t matter because a 2x2 has no edges, and there are no centres, so you choose colours by the first layer.
How long does it take to learn?
An hour or two for most people, less if you can already solve a 3x3.