How many algorithms do you need to learn for CFOP?

Updated October 2026

Full CFOP uses 78 last-layer algorithms: 57 OLL and 21 PLL. F2L has 41 standard cases but is normally learned intuitively, and the cross needs none. You do not need them all at once: 2-look OLL and PLL covers every last-layer case with just 16 cases (10 for OLL and 6 for PLL), and most cubers start there and add the rest later.

Algorithms needed at each stage

Stage	What it does	Cases	What you memorise
Cross	Solves the four white edges	–	Nothing. You plan it during inspection.
F2L	Solves four corner-edge pairs	41 standard cases	Nothing required. It is learned intuitively; algorithms are optional extras later.
2-look OLL	Makes the top face yellow in two steps	10 (3 edge + 7 corner)	10 short algorithms
2-look PLL	Places the last-layer pieces in two steps	6 (2 corner + 4 edge)	6 algorithms
Full PLL	Places the last-layer pieces in one step	21	21 algorithms
Full OLL	Makes the top face yellow in one step	57	57 algorithms

Quick totals

Starter set (2-look OLL + 2-look PLL): 16 cases.
Full PLL + 2-look OLL: 31 cases (21 + 10).
Full OLL + full PLL: 78 cases (57 + 21).

What to learn first

Cross and intuitive F2L. No algorithms to memorise. See the step-by-step F2L guide.
2-look OLL and PLL (16 cases). Enough to finish every solve. See the 2-look guide with diagrams.
Full PLL (21 cases). Common advice is to learn PLL before OLL because there are fewer cases.
Full OLL (57 cases). Add these gradually once your F2L is smooth.

Do not try to memorise all 78 at once. Learn a few at a time and drill them until you can recognise the case and execute it without thinking. A trainer helps: try the OLL trainer and the PLL trainer.

Why different sources give different numbers

You will see 2-look OLL quoted as 7, 9 or 10 algorithms. Seven counts only the corner step. Ten counts the three edge cases (dot, L-shape and line) as well as the seven corner cases. Nine counts the dot case as the line algorithm followed by the L-shape algorithm, which is exactly what it is. This page uses 10 cases (and 16 for the whole 2-look set) because that matches what you need to recognise.

2-look PLL is normally given as 6: two for corners (A perm and Y perm) and four for edges (Ua, Ub, H and Z). F2L is usually given as 41 cases, but cubers rarely memorise them all.

How we checked these numbers

We counted the cases with a simulated cube. The 216 possible last-layer orientations reduce to 58 patterns once you treat positions that differ only by a turn of the top layer as the same case. One of those is the already-solved case, which leaves 57 OLL cases. The 288 possible last-layer permutations reduce to 22 classes in the same way, which leaves 21 PLL cases plus the solved case. We then tested that the 10 OLL and 6 PLL cases of the 2-look system solve every one of those 216 and 288 positions.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How many algorithms do you need for full CFOP?

Full CFOP uses 78 last-layer algorithms: 57 OLL and 21 PLL. F2L has 41 standard cases but most cubers learn it intuitively, and the cross needs no algorithms.

How many algorithms do you need for 2-look OLL and PLL?

16 cases: 10 for 2-look OLL (3 edge cases and 7 corner cases) and 6 for 2-look PLL (2 corner and 4 edge algorithms). That is 15 different sequences, because the dot OLL case is the line algorithm followed by the L-shape algorithm.

Do I need full OLL to be fast?

No. Most cubers use 2-look OLL first and add full PLL and full OLL over time. At the start, F2L efficiency and lookahead usually matter more than extra algorithms.

Do I have to memorise F2L algorithms?

No. F2L can be solved intuitively by pairing a corner with its edge and inserting them together. Many fast solvers learn some F2L algorithms later for awkward cases, but you can start without any.

Which should I learn first, PLL or OLL?

Learn the 2-look versions of both first. After that, common advice is to learn full PLL (21 cases) before full OLL (57 cases) because it is fewer cases to learn.