PLL Algorithms — All 21 Cases

Every Permutation of the Last Layer case for CFOP, with recognition tips, learning order and memorisation advice.

How to learn PLL algorithms

PLL (Permutation of the Last Layer) moves the already oriented last-layer pieces into place. Full PLL has 21 cases. In 2-look PLL, you position the corners first, then finish the edges.

Recognising PLL cases

  • Look around the last layer for headlights (two matching corner stickers on one side) and bars (matching adjacent corner and edge stickers). Notice which sides contain them and how they relate to each other.
  • A single pair of headlights or one bar does not uniquely identify every PLL. Check the remaining corners and edges to distinguish similar cases, especially the G perms.
  • Use a U turn to match the case's starting angle. After the algorithm, a final U, U' or U2 adjustment may be needed to align the top layer with the centres; this is often called AUF.

A practical PLL learning order

  1. For a 2-look foundation, learn T and Y perms for corner positioning, followed by Ua, Ub, H and Z for the remaining edges. This is one practical starting set, not the only valid choice.
  2. Expand to full PLL with Jb and Ja, then Aa and Ab. Add the other cases in small batches, choosing a sequence you can perform consistently from the shown grip.
  3. Learn the four G perms as a recognition group: compare their headlights, bars and edge positions instead of trying to identify them from headlights alone.
  4. Finish the remaining R, F, V, N and E cases at your own pace. Practise choosing the case and its starting angle, not only executing a memorised algorithm.

Remembering algorithms and finger tricks

Chunk long algorithms into triggers and repeat each join before increasing speed. Drill recognition separately from execution, practise the final AUF, and keep personal notes about the bars, grip or awkward transitions you need to remember.

Keep improving pair recognition alongside your last-layer algorithms.

Further reading: J Perm's PLL reference.

PLL algorithm reference — 21 cases

21 cases

Aa

PLL
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R' F R' B2 R F' R' B2 R2

3-corner cycle clockwise

Ab

PLL
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R B' R F2 R' B R F2 R2

E

PLL
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R2 U R' U' y R U R' U' R U R' U' R U R' y' R U' R2

F

PLL
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R' U' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' U R

Ga

PLL
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R2 U R' U R' U' R U' R2 D U' R' U R D'

Gb

PLL
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R' U' R U D' R2 U R' U R U' R U' R2 D

Gc

PLL
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R2 U' R U' R U R' U R2 D' U R U' R' D

Gd

PLL
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R U R' U' D R2 U' R U' R' U R' U R2 D'

H

PLL
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M2 U M2 U2 M2 U M2

Ja

PLL
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L' U' L F L' U' L U L F' L2' U L U

Jb

PLL
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R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R'

Na

PLL
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R U R' U R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U2 R U' R'

Nb

PLL
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R' U R U' R' F' U' F R U R' F R' F' R U' R

Ra

PLL
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R U' R' U' R U R D R' U' R D' R' U2 R'

Rb

PLL
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R' U2 R U2 R' F R U R' U' R' F' R2

T

PLL
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R U R' U' R' F R2 U' R' U' R U R' F'

Ua

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

Ub

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

V

PLL
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R' U R' U' R D' R' D R' U D' R2 U' R2 D R2

Y

PLL
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F R U' R' U' R U R' F' R U R' U' R' F R F'

Z

PLL
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M' U M2 U M2 U M' U2 M2

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