All 21 PLL Algorithms
Every Permutation of the Last Layer case, with an arrow diagram and a fast algorithm.
PLL is the last step of CFOP. After OLL the top face is all yellow, and one PLL algorithm moves every top piece to its correct place. Each diagram shows the top of the cube from above, with the front of the cube at the bottom. The colored bars show the side stickers, and the arrows show where each piece moves; a double-headed arrow means two pieces swap.
New to PLL? Learn 2-look PLL first: the T-Perm (or Y-Perm) to fix the corners, then the Ua, Ub, H and Z perms to fix the edges. Once those are automatic, add the rest, starting with the J, R and A perms. Moves are written in standard notation; M is the middle slice and x turns the whole cube. Every algorithm has been checked by applying it to a virtual cube.
All 21 PLL cases
Ua-Perm
Cycles three edges; the front edge stays in place when viewed from the solved bar at the back. Only the edges move - every corner is already solved. Recognize these by the fully-matching corner "headlights" on all four sides.
Ub-Perm
Cycles three edges in the opposite direction to the Ua-Perm. Only the edges move - every corner is already solved. Recognize these by the fully-matching corner "headlights" on all four sides.
H-Perm
Swaps both pairs of opposite edges - every side shows a "checkerboard" edge. Only the edges move - every corner is already solved. Recognize these by the fully-matching corner "headlights" on all four sides.
Z-Perm
Swaps two pairs of adjacent edges. Only the edges move - every corner is already solved. Recognize these by the fully-matching corner "headlights" on all four sides.
Aa-Perm
Cycles three corners clockwise. Only the corners move - every edge is already solved.
Ab-Perm
Cycles three corners counter-clockwise. Only the corners move - every edge is already solved.
E-Perm
Swaps two pairs of corners across the front and back - no headlights anywhere. Only the corners move - every edge is already solved.
T-Perm
Swaps two adjacent corners and the two opposite edges between them. One of the most-used PLLs - learn it first. Two adjacent corners swap along with a pair of edges. Look for exactly one set of headlights.
F-Perm
Swaps two adjacent corners and two opposite edges, keeping one full solved side bar. Two adjacent corners swap along with a pair of edges. Look for exactly one set of headlights.
Ja-Perm
Swaps two adjacent corners and two adjacent edges, with a 1x3 bar on the left. Two adjacent corners swap along with a pair of edges. Look for exactly one set of headlights.
Jb-Perm
Mirror of the Ja-Perm, with the 1x3 bar on the right. Two adjacent corners swap along with a pair of edges. Look for exactly one set of headlights.
Ra-Perm
Swaps two adjacent corners and two edges, leaving a 1x2 block and headlights. Two adjacent corners swap along with a pair of edges. Look for exactly one set of headlights.
Rb-Perm
Mirror of the Ra-Perm. Two adjacent corners swap along with a pair of edges. Look for exactly one set of headlights.
V-Perm
Swaps two diagonal corners and two adjacent edges. Two diagonally-opposite corners swap along with a pair of edges. There are no headlights on any side.
Y-Perm
Swaps two diagonal corners and two adjacent edges - built from two familiar OLL triggers. Two diagonally-opposite corners swap along with a pair of edges. There are no headlights on any side.
Na-Perm
Swaps two diagonal corners and two opposite edges; the left and right sides show 1x2 blocks. Two diagonally-opposite corners swap along with a pair of edges. There are no headlights on any side.
Nb-Perm
Mirror of the Na-Perm. Two diagonally-opposite corners swap along with a pair of edges. There are no headlights on any side.
Ga-Perm
Cycles three corners and three edges. A corner 3-cycle combined with an edge 3-cycle. Recognize them by one set of headlights plus a 1x2 block.
Gb-Perm
Inverse of the Ga-Perm. A corner 3-cycle combined with an edge 3-cycle. Recognize them by one set of headlights plus a 1x2 block.
Gc-Perm
Cycles three corners and three edges - mirror of the Ga-Perm. A corner 3-cycle combined with an edge 3-cycle. Recognize them by one set of headlights plus a 1x2 block.
Gd-Perm
Inverse of the Gc-Perm. A corner 3-cycle combined with an edge 3-cycle. Recognize them by one set of headlights plus a 1x2 block.
PLL FAQ
How many PLL algorithms are there?
There are 21 PLL cases, each with its own algorithm. Several come in mirrored pairs, such as Ua/Ub, Ja/Jb and Ra/Rb.
Which PLL algorithms should I learn first?
Start with 2-look PLL: the T-Perm or Y-Perm to solve corners, then the Ua, Ub, H and Z perms to solve edges. Then learn the rest, starting with the common J, R and A perms and leaving the G perms for last. Drill them with the practice timer.
What does PLL stand for?
PLL stands for Permutation of the Last Layer. It is the final step of the CFOP method, where the already-oriented top pieces are moved into their solved positions.