Cube Notation

Understanding move symbols and sequences

📝 What is Notation? Cube notation is a standard way to write down moves and algorithms. Once you learn it, you can follow any tutorial or algorithm from anywhere in the world!

Basic Moves

The cube has six faces, each represented by a letter:

R

Right Face

Turn the right face clockwise 90°

L

Left Face

Turn the left face clockwise 90°

U

Up Face

Turn the top face clockwise 90°

D

Down Face

Turn the bottom face clockwise 90°

F

Front Face

Turn the front face clockwise 90°

B

Back Face

Turn the back face clockwise 90°

Modifiers

Letters can be modified to indicate different types of turns:

R'

Prime (Apostrophe)

The apostrophe means turn the face counterclockwise 90°. Read as "R prime".

Example: R' = Turn right face counterclockwise
R2

Double Turn

The number 2 means turn the face 180 degrees (two 90° turns). Direction doesn't matter.

Example: U2 = Turn top face 180°

Advanced Notation

r, l, u, d, f, b

Wide Moves (Lowercase)

Lowercase letters mean turn that face AND the middle layer together. Used mainly for 4x4 and larger cubes.

Example: r = Turn right face + middle layer clockwise
M, E, S

Slice Moves

Middle layer moves:

  • M - Middle layer (between R and L), turns like L
  • E - Equator layer (between U and D), turns like D
  • S - Standing layer (between F and B), turns like F
x, y, z

Rotations

Rotate the entire cube:

  • x - Rotate cube on R axis (like R)
  • y - Rotate cube on U axis (like U)
  • z - Rotate cube on F axis (like F)

Reading Algorithms

Algorithms are sequences of moves written together. Here are some examples:

Simple Algorithm

R U R' U'

Reads as:

  1. R - Turn right face clockwise
  2. U - Turn top face clockwise
  3. R' - Turn right face counterclockwise
  4. U' - Turn top face counterclockwise

T-Perm Algorithm

R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'

This is read left to right, executing each move in sequence. Spaces are just for readability.

Tips for Learning Notation

🎯 Practice Makes Perfect

Start with simple algorithms like "R U R' U'" and practice until it becomes natural.

👀 Visual Learning

Watch video tutorials to see moves in action. This helps connect notation to physical moves.

📝 Write It Down

Write out algorithms by hand while practicing. This reinforces the notation in your memory.

🔄 Muscle Memory

With practice, you'll stop reading notation and just execute moves automatically.

Ready to Apply Your Knowledge?

Now that you understand notation, try learning some algorithms!

3x3 Tutorial Browse Algorithms