What is Nets & Cubes?
Net and cube questions show you a flat net (an unfolded cube) with patterns on each face. You need to work out which 3D cube the net would make when folded, or which net could create a given cube.
A cube has 6 faces. The key challenge is working out which faces end up next to each other and which way the patterns face when the net is folded.
Step-by-Step Method
Identify the base face
Pick one face of the net as the base of the cube. This is your starting point for folding.
Work out adjacent faces
From the base, determine which face folds up to become the front, back, left, right, and top of the cube.
Track pattern orientation
As each face folds up, note which way the patterns rotate. A pattern facing right on the net might face up when folded.
Check opposite faces
Opposite faces of a cube never share an edge on the net. Use this to eliminate wrong answers.
Worked Examples
A cross-shaped net has faces labelled 1-6: face 1 on top, face 2 in the middle of the cross (base), faces 3 and 4 on the left and right, face 5 below the base, and face 6 at the bottom. Which faces are opposite each other?
Working
- If face 2 is the base: face 1 (above) folds up and over to become the top. So 2 and 1 are opposite.
- Face 3 (left) folds up to become the left side. Face 4 (right) folds up to become the right side. So 3 and 4 are opposite.
- Face 5 (below base) folds up to become the front. Face 6 (at bottom) folds over face 5 to become the back. So 5 and 6 are opposite.
A cube has a star on the front face and a circle on the top face. Can you see both at the same time?
Working
- The front face and top face share an edge (the top edge of the front face).
- So yes, you can see both the star and the circle at the same time when looking at the cube from the front and slightly above.
Common Mistakes
Thinking that faces next to each other on the net are always next to each other on the cube.
Only faces that share an edge on the net AND fold toward each other will be adjacent on the cube. Some faces on the net are nearby but end up opposite.
Forgetting that patterns rotate when faces fold up.
Track the direction of patterns carefully. A pattern pointing “up” on the net might point “sideways” once that face is folded into position.
Top Tips
- The golden rule: opposite faces of a cube NEVER share an edge on the net.
- Practise folding real nets. Draw patterns on paper, cut out the net, and fold it.
- Start with the most distinctive face and track where it ends up on each cube option.
- Common net shapes: cross, T-shape, L-shape, and Z-shape. Learn what folds where for each.
- If a question shows three visible faces of a cube, the other three faces are hidden behind them.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions