What is the CFOP method?

CFOP is a speedcubing method that stands for Cross, F2L (First Two Layers), OLL (Orient Last Layer), and PLL (Permute Last Layer). It is the most popular method used by world-class speedcubers and consists of 4 main steps to solve a 3x3x3 Rubik's Cube efficiently.

How long does it take to learn CFOP?

The CFOP method can be understood in about 15 minutes of reading. However, mastering it takes weeks to months of practice. Beginners can start with 2-look OLL and PLL (about 16 algorithms total) before progressing to full CFOP with all 78 algorithms.

What is F2L and how many cases are there?

F2L stands for First Two Layers, where you pair and insert corner-edge pairs. There are 41 possible F2L cases when using full algorithms, but many speedcubers start with an intuitive approach before memorizing all cases.

Should I learn full OLL and PLL or stick to two-look first?

Two-look OLL and PLL uses fewer algorithms (about 16 total) and is quicker to master for beginners. Learning full OLL (57 cases) and full PLL (21 cases) reduces move count and can significantly speed up your solves once you've memorized the cases. Start with 2-look and progress to full CFOP gradually.

What is the difference between CFOP and the beginner method?

The beginner method solves the cube layer by layer using about 7 algorithms and is easier to learn. CFOP is more advanced, solving the first two layers simultaneously (F2L) and using one-look algorithms for the last layer. CFOP requires learning more algorithms but is significantly faster, enabling sub-20 second solves with practice.

How can I improve my CFOP efficiency?

Focus on optimizing your Cross by planning ahead (ideally during inspection), reduce cube rotations during F2L, practice look-ahead to seamlessly transition between F2L pairs, and drill OLL and PLL recognition. Use our Interactive Simulator to practice each stage.

Do I need to learn all 78 algorithms at once?

No. Start with 2-look OLL and PLL which requires only about 16 algorithms. Once comfortable, gradually learn full OLL (57 cases) and full PLL (21 cases) over time. Many speedcubers take several months to learn all algorithms while continuously improving their times.

Cut Your Solve Time in HALF with CFOP

CFOP Method Tutorial: Cross, F2L, OLL & PLL

Learn the method used by World Record holders to solve in under 5 seconds

Ready to level up your solving speed? Dive into the advanced CFOP Method—learn Cross, F2L pairs, OLL, and PLL in about 8 minutes of reading with interactive demos!

50,000+ learners

Average: 2 min → 30 sec

Start with just 16 algorithms

What You'll Learn

Efficient Cross planning and execution.
Pairing and inserting F2L pairs intuitively and with algorithms.
Performing full OLL to orient the last layer in a single step.
Applying full PLL to permute the last layer pieces.
Expert tips and finger-tricks to shave off precious seconds.

Try the Interactive Simulator!

Want to practice the moves? Open the simulator.Open Simulator

Which Path Should I Take?

Not sure where to start? Answer one question to find your personalized learning path:

What's your current CFOP experience level?

CFOP at a Glance

🎯

Main Steps

🔄

OLL Cases (or 10 for 2-look)

🧩

PLL Cases (or 6 for 2-look)

🤝

F2L Cases

Choose Your Learning Path

🌱

Beginner Path

New to CFOP? Start here!

✓Only 16 algorithms
✓Reach sub-30 in weeks
✓2-Look OLL & PLL

Start 2-Look CFOP

RECOMMENDED

📈

Intermediate Path

Know basics? Level up!

✓Full OLL (57 cases)
✓Full PLL (21 cases)
✓Reach sub-20 times

OLL Library (57)PLL Library (21)

⚡

Quick Reference

Already know CFOP?

✓Algorithm lookup
✓Practice drills
✓Optimization tips

OLL Essentials PLL Essentials

CFOP Progression Timeline

See what times you can expect as you master each stage:

60s

Beginner Method

Your starting point (layer-by-layer)

30s

2-Look CFOP (16 algorithms)

✅ Cross: 3-5 sec | ✅ F2L: 15-20 sec | ✅ OLL+PLL: 8-12 sec

20s

Full CFOP (78 algorithms)

✅ Cross: 2-3 sec | ✅ F2L: 10-12 sec | ✅ OLL: 2-3 sec | ✅ PLL: 2-3 sec

15s

Optimized CFOP + Lookahead

Advanced F2L, efficient cross planning, minimal pauses

10s

World-Class Level

World Class

Perfect execution, advanced techniques, 1000s of hours of practice

Start Here: 2-Look CFOP (Beginner-Friendly)

Why 2-Look First?

Learning full CFOP (78 algorithms) is overwhelming. Start with 2-Look CFOP:

📚

Only 16 algorithms total(vs 78 for full CFOP)

⏱️

Learn in 1-2 weeks(vs 3-6 months for full)

🎯

Reach sub-30 secondsimmediately

📈

Smooth transitionto full CFOP later

🔄

2-Look OLL (10 algorithms)

First: Orient edges (3 cases) → Then: Orient corners (7 cases)

Learn 2-Look OLL

🧩

2-Look PLL (6 algorithms)

First: Permute corners (2 cases) → Then: Permute edges (4 cases)

Learn 2-Look PLL

📅Your 2-Week Learning Plan

➕

Days 1-2:Master the Cross (no algorithms needed)

Step 1

🤝

Days 3-7:Learn intuitive F2L (practice pairing)

Step 2

🔄

Days 8-10:Memorize 2-Look OLL (10 algorithms)

Step 3

🧩

Days 11-14:Memorize 2-Look PLL (6 algorithms)

Step 4

The 4-Step CFOP Roadmap

Click each step to trigger an animation on the cube and practice interactively!

Cross 🔲

Solve a cross on the bottom layer by aligning edge pieces to their centers. Plan your next F2L pairs as you complete the cross.

Show Interactive Example: Cross

Loading interactive cube...

F2L 🤝

Pair each bottom-layer corner with its matching edge and insert it into the first two layers.

Show Interactive Example: Basic F2L Pair

Loading interactive cube...

OLL 🎯

Orient the entire last layer in one step with full OLL. The popular Sune case is:

Show Interactive Example: Sune OLL

Loading interactive cube...

PLL 🏁

Permute the last layer pieces to finish the cube. The U-perm swaps three edges:

Show Interactive Example: U-perm PLL

Loading interactive cube...

Why Choose CFOP?

CFOP vs other popular methods:

Beginner Method

Avg Moves:110-120

Algorithms:7-10

Difficulty:Easy

Speed Potential:60+ seconds

Pros:

Easy to learn, Good introduction

Cons:

Very slow, Inefficient

CFOP

Recommended

Avg Moves:55-60

Algorithms:78 (16 for 2-Look)

Difficulty:Medium

Speed Potential:10-20 seconds

Pros:

Most popular, Proven method, Great resources

Cons:

Many algorithms to memorize

Roux

Avg Moves:45-50

Algorithms:10-15

Difficulty:Hard

Speed Potential:10-15 seconds

Pros:

Fewer moves, Less algorithms

Cons:

Harder to learn, Requires intuition

ZZ

Avg Moves:50-55

Algorithms:15-20

Difficulty:Hard

Speed Potential:10-15 seconds

Pros:

No cube rotations, Efficient

Cons:

Harder EO step, Less popular

Method	Avg Moves	Algorithms	Difficulty	Speed Potential	Pros	Cons
Beginner Method	110-120	7-10	Easy	60+ seconds	Easy to learn, Good introduction	Very slow, Inefficient
CFOPRecommended	55-60	78 (16 for 2-Look)	Medium	10-20 seconds	Most popular, Proven method, Great resources	Many algorithms to memorize
Roux	45-50	10-15	Hard	10-15 seconds	Fewer moves, Less algorithms	Harder to learn, Requires intuition
ZZ	50-55	15-20	Hard	10-15 seconds	No cube rotations, Efficient	Harder EO step, Less popular

Practice Tips & Advanced Techniques

What: Tracking your next F2L pair while solving the current one.

How to practice: Solve at 50% speed (deliberately slow, 1-2 seconds per turn). Force yourself to identify the next pair before finishing the current one.

Exercise: During inspection (15 seconds), plan your cross AND locate your first F2L pair.

CFOP Algorithm Overview

Key CFOP Method Algorithms

Cross 🔲

Goal / Common Algorithms

Solve Cross (e.g., F R D R')

Focus / Tip

Plan moves efficiently. Aim for 8 moves or less.

F2L 🤝

Goal / Common Algorithms

Pair & Insert F2L (e.g., U R U' R')

Focus / Tip

Focus on intuitive pairing first, then learn algs. Minimize rotations.

OLL 🎯

Goal / Common Algorithms

Orient Last Layer (OLL) (e.g., Sune: R U R' U R U U R')

Focus / Tip

Recognize the 57 cases. Start with 2-Look OLL if needed.

PLL 🏁

Goal / Common Algorithms

Permute Last Layer (PLL) (e.g., U-perm: M M U M M U U M M U M M)

Focus / Tip

Recognize the 21 cases. Start with 2-Look PLL.

Key CFOP Method Algorithms
Step	Goal / Common Algorithms	Focus / Tip
Cross 🔲	Solve Cross (e.g., F R D R')	Plan moves efficiently. Aim for 8 moves or less.
F2L 🤝	Pair & Insert F2L (e.g., U R U' R')	Focus on intuitive pairing first, then learn algs. Minimize rotations.
OLL 🎯	Orient Last Layer (OLL) (e.g., Sune: R U R' U R U U R')	Recognize the 57 cases. Start with 2-Look OLL if needed.
PLL 🏁	Permute Last Layer (PLL) (e.g., U-perm: M M U M M U U M M U M M)	Recognize the 21 cases. Start with 2-Look PLL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

J Perm's YouTube Channel– Excellent video tutorials on CFOP, algorithms, and tips.
SpeedSolving.com Wiki– Detailed lists of OLL/PLL algorithms and variations.
csTimer– Popular online timer for practice sessions.

Next Steps & Advanced Training

Master Full OLL Learn All PLL Cases

Cut Your Solve Time in HALF with CFOP

CFOP Method Tutorial: Cross, F2L, OLL & PLL

Learn the method used by World Record holders to solve in under 5 seconds

Ready to level up your solving speed? Dive into the advanced CFOP Method—learn Cross, F2L pairs, OLL, and PLL in about 8 minutes of reading with interactive demos!

50,000+ learners

Average: 2 min → 30 sec

Start with just 16 algorithms

What You'll Learn

Efficient Cross planning and execution.
Pairing and inserting F2L pairs intuitively and with algorithms.
Performing full OLL to orient the last layer in a single step.
Applying full PLL to permute the last layer pieces.
Expert tips and finger-tricks to shave off precious seconds.

Try the Interactive Simulator!

Want to practice the moves? Open the simulator.Open Simulator

Which Path Should I Take?

Not sure where to start? Answer one question to find your personalized learning path:

What's your current CFOP experience level?

CFOP at a Glance

🎯

Main Steps

🔄

OLL Cases (or 10 for 2-look)

🧩

PLL Cases (or 6 for 2-look)

🤝

F2L Cases

Choose Your Learning Path

🌱

Beginner Path

New to CFOP? Start here!

✓Only 16 algorithms
✓Reach sub-30 in weeks
✓2-Look OLL & PLL

Start 2-Look CFOP

RECOMMENDED

📈

Intermediate Path

Know basics? Level up!

✓Full OLL (57 cases)
✓Full PLL (21 cases)
✓Reach sub-20 times

OLL Library (57)PLL Library (21)

⚡

Quick Reference

Already know CFOP?

✓Algorithm lookup
✓Practice drills
✓Optimization tips

OLL Essentials PLL Essentials

CFOP Progression Timeline

See what times you can expect as you master each stage:

60s

Beginner Method

Your starting point (layer-by-layer)

30s

2-Look CFOP (16 algorithms)

✅ Cross: 3-5 sec | ✅ F2L: 15-20 sec | ✅ OLL+PLL: 8-12 sec

20s

Full CFOP (78 algorithms)

✅ Cross: 2-3 sec | ✅ F2L: 10-12 sec | ✅ OLL: 2-3 sec | ✅ PLL: 2-3 sec

15s

Optimized CFOP + Lookahead

Advanced F2L, efficient cross planning, minimal pauses

10s

World-Class Level

World Class

Perfect execution, advanced techniques, 1000s of hours of practice

Start Here: 2-Look CFOP (Beginner-Friendly)

Why 2-Look First?

Learning full CFOP (78 algorithms) is overwhelming. Start with 2-Look CFOP:

📚

Only 16 algorithms total(vs 78 for full CFOP)

⏱️

Learn in 1-2 weeks(vs 3-6 months for full)

🎯

Reach sub-30 secondsimmediately

📈

Smooth transitionto full CFOP later

🔄

2-Look OLL (10 algorithms)

First: Orient edges (3 cases) → Then: Orient corners (7 cases)

Learn 2-Look OLL

🧩

2-Look PLL (6 algorithms)

First: Permute corners (2 cases) → Then: Permute edges (4 cases)

Learn 2-Look PLL

📅Your 2-Week Learning Plan

➕

Days 1-2:Master the Cross (no algorithms needed)

Step 1

🤝

Days 3-7:Learn intuitive F2L (practice pairing)

Step 2

🔄

Days 8-10:Memorize 2-Look OLL (10 algorithms)

Step 3

🧩

Days 11-14:Memorize 2-Look PLL (6 algorithms)

Step 4

The 4-Step CFOP Roadmap

Click each step to trigger an animation on the cube and practice interactively!

Cross 🔲

Solve a cross on the bottom layer by aligning edge pieces to their centers. Plan your next F2L pairs as you complete the cross.

Show Interactive Example: Cross

Loading interactive cube...

F2L 🤝

Pair each bottom-layer corner with its matching edge and insert it into the first two layers.

Show Interactive Example: Basic F2L Pair

Loading interactive cube...

OLL 🎯

Orient the entire last layer in one step with full OLL. The popular Sune case is:

Show Interactive Example: Sune OLL

Loading interactive cube...

PLL 🏁

Permute the last layer pieces to finish the cube. The U-perm swaps three edges:

Show Interactive Example: U-perm PLL

Loading interactive cube...

Why Choose CFOP?

CFOP vs other popular methods:

Beginner Method

Avg Moves:110-120

Algorithms:7-10

Difficulty:Easy

Speed Potential:60+ seconds

Pros:

Easy to learn, Good introduction

Cons:

Very slow, Inefficient

CFOP

Recommended

Avg Moves:55-60

Algorithms:78 (16 for 2-Look)

Difficulty:Medium

Speed Potential:10-20 seconds

Pros:

Most popular, Proven method, Great resources

Cons:

Many algorithms to memorize

Roux

Avg Moves:45-50

Algorithms:10-15

Difficulty:Hard

Speed Potential:10-15 seconds

Pros:

Fewer moves, Less algorithms

Cons:

Harder to learn, Requires intuition

ZZ

Avg Moves:50-55

Algorithms:15-20

Difficulty:Hard

Speed Potential:10-15 seconds

Pros:

No cube rotations, Efficient

Cons:

Harder EO step, Less popular

Method	Avg Moves	Algorithms	Difficulty	Speed Potential	Pros	Cons
Beginner Method	110-120	7-10	Easy	60+ seconds	Easy to learn, Good introduction	Very slow, Inefficient
CFOPRecommended	55-60	78 (16 for 2-Look)	Medium	10-20 seconds	Most popular, Proven method, Great resources	Many algorithms to memorize
Roux	45-50	10-15	Hard	10-15 seconds	Fewer moves, Less algorithms	Harder to learn, Requires intuition
ZZ	50-55	15-20	Hard	10-15 seconds	No cube rotations, Efficient	Harder EO step, Less popular

Practice Tips & Advanced Techniques

What: Tracking your next F2L pair while solving the current one.

How to practice: Solve at 50% speed (deliberately slow, 1-2 seconds per turn). Force yourself to identify the next pair before finishing the current one.

Exercise: During inspection (15 seconds), plan your cross AND locate your first F2L pair.

CFOP Algorithm Overview

Key CFOP Method Algorithms

Cross 🔲

Goal / Common Algorithms

Solve Cross (e.g., F R D R')

Focus / Tip

Plan moves efficiently. Aim for 8 moves or less.

F2L 🤝

Goal / Common Algorithms

Pair & Insert F2L (e.g., U R U' R')

Focus / Tip

Focus on intuitive pairing first, then learn algs. Minimize rotations.

OLL 🎯

Goal / Common Algorithms

Orient Last Layer (OLL) (e.g., Sune: R U R' U R U U R')

Focus / Tip

Recognize the 57 cases. Start with 2-Look OLL if needed.

PLL 🏁

Goal / Common Algorithms

Permute Last Layer (PLL) (e.g., U-perm: M M U M M U U M M U M M)

Focus / Tip

Recognize the 21 cases. Start with 2-Look PLL.

Key CFOP Method Algorithms
Step	Goal / Common Algorithms	Focus / Tip
Cross 🔲	Solve Cross (e.g., F R D R')	Plan moves efficiently. Aim for 8 moves or less.
F2L 🤝	Pair & Insert F2L (e.g., U R U' R')	Focus on intuitive pairing first, then learn algs. Minimize rotations.
OLL 🎯	Orient Last Layer (OLL) (e.g., Sune: R U R' U R U U R')	Recognize the 57 cases. Start with 2-Look OLL if needed.
PLL 🏁	Permute Last Layer (PLL) (e.g., U-perm: M M U M M U U M M U M M)	Recognize the 21 cases. Start with 2-Look PLL.

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Resources

J Perm's YouTube Channel– Excellent video tutorials on CFOP, algorithms, and tips.
SpeedSolving.com Wiki– Detailed lists of OLL/PLL algorithms and variations.
csTimer– Popular online timer for practice sessions.

Next Steps & Advanced Training

Master Full OLL Learn All PLL Cases

CFOP Method Tutorial: Cross, F2L, OLL & PLL

What You'll Learn

Which Path Should I Take?

What's your current CFOP experience level?

CFOP at a Glance

Choose Your Learning Path

Beginner Path

Intermediate Path

Quick Reference

CFOP Progression Timeline

Beginner Method

2-Look CFOP (16 algorithms)

Full CFOP (78 algorithms)

Optimized CFOP + Lookahead

World-Class Level

Start Here: 2-Look CFOP (Beginner-Friendly)

Why 2-Look First?

2-Look OLL (10 algorithms)

2-Look PLL (6 algorithms)

📅Your 2-Week Learning Plan

The 4-Step CFOP Roadmap

Why Choose CFOP?

Beginner Method

CFOP

Roux

ZZ

Practice Tips & Advanced Techniques

CFOP Algorithm Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the CFOP method?

2How long does it take to learn CFOP?

3What is F2L and how many cases are there?

4Should I learn full OLL and PLL or stick to two-look first?

5What is the difference between CFOP and the beginner method?

6How can I improve my CFOP efficiency?

7Do I need to learn all 78 algorithms at once?

Additional Resources

Next Steps & Advanced Training

CFOP Method Tutorial: Cross, F2L, OLL & PLL

What You'll Learn

Which Path Should I Take?

What's your current CFOP experience level?

CFOP at a Glance

Choose Your Learning Path

Beginner Path

Intermediate Path

Quick Reference

CFOP Progression Timeline

Beginner Method

2-Look CFOP (16 algorithms)

Full CFOP (78 algorithms)

Optimized CFOP + Lookahead

World-Class Level

Start Here: 2-Look CFOP (Beginner-Friendly)

Why 2-Look First?

2-Look OLL (10 algorithms)

2-Look PLL (6 algorithms)

📅Your 2-Week Learning Plan

The 4-Step CFOP Roadmap

Why Choose CFOP?

Beginner Method

CFOP

Roux

ZZ

Practice Tips & Advanced Techniques

CFOP Algorithm Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is the CFOP method?

2How long does it take to learn CFOP?

3What is F2L and how many cases are there?

4Should I learn full OLL and PLL or stick to two-look first?

5What is the difference between CFOP and the beginner method?

6How can I improve my CFOP efficiency?

7Do I need to learn all 78 algorithms at once?

Additional Resources

Next Steps & Advanced Training