Master Cube Notation in 3 Minutes
The universal language that unlocks every tutorial
Used by 500M+ cubers worldwide. Learn the 6 essential moves and start solving today. 3 min read
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
- Only 6 letters to learn: R, U, F, L, D, B (Right, Up, Front, Left, Down, Back)
- Add ' (prime/apostrophe) for counter-clockwise moves
- Read algorithm sequences left to right, one move at a time
- Used by 500 million+ cubers worldwide - it's the universal language
- Takes only 3 minutes to learn the basics
What You'll Learn
By the end of this 3-minute guide, you'll be able to:
- Read and write all 6 basic cube moves (R, U, F, L, D, B)
- Understand prime notation (') for counter-clockwise rotations
- Read and execute algorithm sequences like R U R' U'
- Recognize what each letter means on Rubik's Cube tutorials
- Follow any cube tutorial or guide online with confidence
Prerequisites
None! This is the starting point for all cubers.
- No prior cubing knowledge required
- No math or special skills needed
- Just 3 minutes of your time
Why Learn Rubik's Cube Notation?
🚫Without Notation
- ❌Can't follow tutorials
- ❌Must memorize by watching
- ❌Limited to solo solving
✅With Notation
- ✅Understand any guide online
- ✅Learn from millions of cubers
- ✅Join the worldwide community
Only 6 symbols to learn. That's it.
- Learn from any tutorial online
- Share solutions with worldwide community
- Solve faster with proven algorithms
The Essential Six Moves: R, U, F, L, D, B Explained
These 6 moves are all you need to start solving. Click each to see an interactive demo.
Interactive Demo
Loading Interactive Cube...
What it does
Turn the right face clockwise 90 degrees, as if you're looking directly at it.
💡 Memory Tip
Think of opening a door toward you - that's the R move!
Try it: Use the cube demo above to practice this move step-by-step!
What Does Prime (') Mean in Rubik's Cube Notation?
Prime means counter-clockwise. It's that simple!
Compare the Moves
💡 Prime = Rewind ⏪ The apostrophe looks like a rewind button!
R
Clockwise
Loading Interactive Cube...
R'
Counter-clockwise
Loading Interactive Cube...
Try it: Perform both moves in sequence - they cancel each other out!
Any move can have a prime. Just add an apostrophe (') after the letter: R', U', F', L', D', B'. These moves go in the opposite direction.
How to Read Rubik's Cube Algorithm Sequences
How to Read Rubik's Cube Algorithm Sequences
Can you read these sequences? Click 'Show Me' to see them performed.
Challenge 1
R U R' U'💡 Read left to right - each letter is one move
Challenge 2
F D F' D'💡 Remember: Prime (') means counter-clockwise
Challenge 3
R U' R' U💡 Mix of clockwise and counter-clockwise moves
Advanced: Slice Moves (Optional)
These middle-layer moves are used in advanced methods like Roux. Skip these if you're just starting!
Advanced: Slice Moves (Optional)
These middle-layer moves are used in advanced methods like Roux. Skip these if you're just starting!
Loading Interactive Cube...
M - Middle Slice
Turns the layer between R and L, moving in the same direction as L.
Used in: M2 method, Roux
Loading Interactive Cube...
E - Equatorial Slice
Turns the layer between U and D, moving in the same direction as D.
Used in: Advanced F2L, Roux
Loading Interactive Cube...
S - Standing Slice
Turns the layer between F and B, moving in the same direction as F.
Used in: Advanced techniques
Your Cheat Sheet
Your Cheat Sheet
Keep this handy while learning algorithms
Right
Left
Up
Down
Front
Back
📝 Quick Notes:
- •Add ' (prime) for counter-clockwise
- •Add 2 for 180° turns (e.g., R2, U2)
- •Read sequences left to right
Keep this handy while learning algorithms!
Common Questions
What's Next?
✓ You've mastered notation!
Choose your path: