CFOP Solve Splits by Speed
By CuberPal Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-07 · Editorial standards
Quick answer
CFOP solve splits show where your time goes across Cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL. For most intermediate cubers, F2L should be roughly half the solve, cross should be planned, and last layer should shrink as PLL and OLL move from 2-look to 1-look.
Why splits matter
A single average tells you that you are slower than you want to be. Splits tell you why. Two 24-second solvers can need completely different practice: one may have slow F2L, the other may lose time to 2-look PLL and poor recognition.
That is why phase timing is more useful than just staring at ao12.
Useful target ranges
Treat these as directionally useful checkpoints, not strict rules:
- Sub-60: cross under 8s, F2L under 35s, 4-look last layer under 18s.
- Sub-30: cross around 4s, F2L around 16-18s, last layer around 8-10s.
- Sub-20: cross around 2s, F2L around 10-11s, OLL plus PLL around 6s.
- Sub-15: cross near 1.5s, F2L near 7-8s, last layer near 4-5s.
How to use splits in practice
Measure a few solves, identify the phase furthest from the target, and train only that for a session. If F2L is the problem, slow solves and pair drills beat more timed solves. If PLL is the problem, recognition and algorithm review are the better lever.
Re-measure weekly. The goal is not perfect split ratios; it is knowing whether practice is moving the intended phase.
Continue the learning path
Get faster at 3x3
Measure one solve, identify the slowest phase, and train that skill before chasing raw TPS.
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Download CuberPalFrequently asked questions
What is the most important CFOP split?▾
F2L, for most solvers. It usually takes the largest share of the solve and contains the most pauses, rotations, and inefficient decisions.
How do I measure CFOP splits?▾
You can review solve video manually or use an analysis tool that detects Cross, F2L, OLL, and PLL timings automatically.
Are CFOP splits different for advanced solvers?▾
Yes. Very fast solvers may use advanced techniques like x-cross, edge control, and last-slot planning, which makes clean phase boundaries less obvious.