What is a 3×3 Rubik's Cube?
A 3×3 has nine squares on each of its six faces, built from corner pieces, edge pieces and fixed centre pieces. The centres never move relative to each other, which is why they define the colour of each face.
Why the 3×3 is the most common cube format
It is the original Rubik's Cube and the size most people own. Nearly every solving method, tutorial and competition category is built around it, which is also why most solver tools focus on 3×3 first.
How to enter a scrambled 3×3
Select the 3×3 configuration, then work around the cube face by face. Keeping the cube in a consistent orientation while you enter it is the single most useful habit for getting a valid configuration first time.
- Six faces, nine squares each — 54 squares in total
- Enter faces in a consistent order
- Check each face before moving to the next
Camera scanning
Hold each face inside the scanner frame and let the app read the colours through your camera. Even lighting makes the read more reliable, and you can move to Manual Input at any point if a square is misread.
Manual input
Prefer to type it in, or scanning in poor light? Pick a colour from the palette and tap the squares on the face grid until all six faces are filled.
Getting the solution
With the cube entered, the app produces a sequence of standard cube moves that leads from your scramble to a solved cube.
Following the moves
- Apply one move at a time and confirm the cube matches
- Step back if you lose your place mid-sequence
- Keep the same cube orientation the app is showing
Learning while solving
The Learn & Improve section explains cube basics so the moves you are following start to make sense, and the Virtual Cube lets you practise turns on screen. Reading our notation guide alongside a solve is a good way to connect the letters to the turns.
Try Rubik's Cube Solver
Scan your cube and get step-by-step solving instructions in seconds. Available for Android on Google Play.