Final Step: Permuting Last Layer Edges to Solve the Cube

You're Almost There!

This is the final step of the beginner's layer-by-layer method. You have a solved first layer, a solved second layer, a completed yellow face with all corners in their correct positions, and now you need to move the four last-layer edge pieces into their correct positions. Once this step is complete, your Rubik's Cube will be fully solved!

Look at the top layer edges. Each edge should be positioned so that its non-yellow color matches the center of the face it's on. For example, the yellow-red edge should be on the red face, the yellow-blue edge should be on the blue face, and so on. If all four edges are already correctly positioned, congratulations — your cube is solved! If not, read on.

Checking Edge Positions

Hold the cube with the yellow face on top and rotate the U layer slowly. Look at each edge's side color and compare it to the center of the face it's sitting on. You'll find one of three scenarios:

All four edges correct: The cube is solved! Celebrate!
One edge correct: One edge matches its face center, and the other three need to be cycled.
No edges correct: All four edges are in wrong positions. Apply the algorithm once to create a state where one edge is correct.

The Edge Permutation Algorithm

The algorithm for cycling three edges is:

F2 U L R' F2 L' R U F2

This 9-move sequence performs a clockwise 3-cycle of three edges while leaving the fourth edge (the one at the back position) unchanged. The back edge is your "anchor" — it stays in place while the other three rotate.

Clockwise Cycle

If the three edges need to move clockwise (each edge needs to shift one position to the right), hold the cube so the correctly-positioned edge is at the back, then apply the algorithm once.

Counter-Clockwise Cycle

If the three edges need to move counter-clockwise, either apply the algorithm twice (since three clockwise cycles equal one counter-clockwise cycle), or hold the cube differently. The most efficient approach is to recognize the direction: if the front edge's color matches the right center, it's a clockwise cycle. If the front edge's color matches the left center, it's counter-clockwise.

Alternative Algorithm

Some beginners prefer a different edge permutation algorithm that's easier to remember:

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

This algorithm also performs a 3-cycle of edges. The advantage is that it uses only R and U moves, which are easier to execute quickly. The disadvantage is that it's slightly longer at 11 moves. Choose whichever algorithm you find more comfortable — both produce the same result.

Handling the "No Correct Edges" Case

When no edges are correct, you need to determine whether the configuration is actually solvable with a 3-cycle or if it requires two 3-cycles (which is equivalent to two swaps). Here's the practical approach:

Apply the algorithm once with any face at the back.
Rotate U to check if one edge is now correct.
If yes, place the correct edge at the back and apply the algorithm once more.
If no edge is correct, try applying the algorithm again. At most, you'll need to apply it three times total.

Congratulations — You Can Solve a Rubik's Cube!

When the last edge clicks into place and all six faces show solid colors, you've accomplished something that most people never manage to do. Take a moment to appreciate the achievement. The Rubik's Cube has over 43 quintillion possible scrambles, and you just navigated from one of those random states back to the solved state using a systematic method.

What's Next?

Now that you can solve the cube consistently, focus on two things: reducing your solve time and learning a faster method. For speed improvement, practice the beginner method until you can consistently solve in under 2 minutes. Then, transition to CFOP by learning F2L (First Two Layers) — this alone can drop your times from 2 minutes to under 45 seconds. The journey from beginner to speedcuber is one of the most rewarding paths in puzzle-solving, and it all started with the steps you just learned.