A Bit of Cube History
The Rubik's Cube was invented in 1974 by Hungarian architect and professor Ernő Rubik. He originally called it the Magic Cube and used it as a teaching tool to help his students understand three-dimensional movement. It wasn't until a few years later, in 1980, that it was rebranded as the “Rubik's Cube” and released internationally — quickly becoming a global sensation.
By the mid-80s, over 100 million cubes had been sold worldwide. The cube faded in popularity for a while but made a huge comeback in the early 2000s thanks to online tutorials, competitions, and an ever-growing speedcubing community.
Why Is It So Popular?
There's something fascinating about the cube's mix of simplicity and complexity. Just six colors, 54 stickers, and 43 quintillion possible combinations (yes, that's 43,252,003,274,489,856,000!). And yet, no matter how scrambled it is, it can always be solved in 20 moves or fewer — a fact discovered by researchers and known as God's Number.
What makes the Rubik's Cube timeless?
- It's tactile and satisfying to twist and turn.
- It appeals to problem-solvers and pattern lovers.
- It offers endless room for improvement and speed.
- It's a great brain workout and stress reliever.
The Cube Around the World
From kids learning their first algorithm to pros setting records on stage, the cube brings people together across ages and cultures. It's featured in movies, art, memes, and even robotics (check out our Speedcubing page for record-breaking robot solves!).
Today, official competitions are held by the World Cube Association (WCA) in over 100 countries, with thousands of participants competing in over 17 different cube events — including 2x2, 4x4, blindfolded solves, and even one-handed or with feet (though that event has been retired!).
Want to Learn How to Solve It?
If you're curious how people manage to solve it in under a minute (or
just want to solve it once in your life!), head over to our
Solving Guide.
We break it down into simple steps using beginner-friendly methods —
and yes, there are pictures!
Fun Facts Corner
- Most cubes solved underwater in a single breath: 9 (by Anthony Brooks in 2020)
- Google once made a playable Rubik's Cube on its homepage to celebrate the cube's 40th anniversary.
- Most expensive Rubik's Cube: The Masterpiece Cube, worth over $2.5 million, made of 18-karat gold and gemstones.
- World's largest cube: Over 1.5 meters tall, fully functional and twistable.
- World's smallest cube: Just 5.6 mm wide — good luck gripping that one!