Cube Nets
Cube Nets is a non-verbal reasoning topic where pupils are shown a flat, unfolded net made of six squares and must work out which 3D cube it folds into. It tests spatial visualisation: recognising that each face keeps its own symbol and orientation when folded, and that faces opposite each other on the net can never both be seen at once on the finished cube.
Method
- Look at the net as squares joined edge to edge, and only trace straight lines across it, horizontal or vertical, never diagonal jumps.
- If two squares sit directly next to each other with no square between them, they will share an edge on the folded cube, so they can never be opposite faces.
- If exactly one square lies between two given squares on a straight line across the net, those two squares fold to become opposite faces on the cube.
- Work out all three opposite pairs in the net using this rule before looking at the answer options.
- In each option, check that no two opposite faces are shown together, and that every visible face matches the net's symbol and rotation exactly, since folding never rotates, mirrors or re-shades a symbol.
- The one option that satisfies both checks, correct symbols and no opposite-face clash, is the answer.
Worked example
A net is arranged as a vertical column of four squares labelled, top to bottom, Top, Front, Bottom and Back, with a fifth square labelled Left attached to the left edge of Front, and a sixth square labelled Right attached to the right edge of Front. When the net is folded into a cube, which square ends up opposite Front?
- Trace the straight vertical line Top, Front, Bottom, Back.
- Front and Bottom sit directly next to each other with no square between them, so they cannot be opposite.
- Between Front and Back there is exactly one square, Bottom, so Front and Back are opposite.
- Final answer: Back is opposite Front.
Practice questions
Try each question, then tap to reveal the answer.
Exam-style questions
Written in the style of a 11+ exam paper, with a full mark scheme.
A net is a vertical column of four squares, top to bottom, showing stripes, the letter K, a circle and an arrow, with a square attached to the left edge of the letter K and a triangle attached to its right edge. (a) State which symbol is opposite the letter K. (b) State which symbol is opposite the stripes. (c) An option shows the letter K and the arrow as two faces that never appear together in the same view. Is this consistent with the net? Justify your answer. (3 marks)
A net has a straight line of four squares showing a smiley face, a star, a moon and a heart, with a diamond attached above the star and a cross attached below the star. State which symbol is opposite the moon, and briefly justify your answer using the gap rule. (2 marks)
A net has a straight line of four squares showing, in order, a sun, a cloud, rain and snow. A flap showing wind is attached above the cloud, and a flap showing frost is attached below the cloud. (a) State the symbol opposite the sun. (b) State the symbol opposite the wind. (c) State the symbol opposite the cloud. (d) An option shows the cloud and frost as two faces meeting at a shared edge. Explain, using the gap rule, whether this is possible. (5 marks)
Free printable worksheet
Want more practice on paper? Download the cube nets worksheet pack - 28 pages of exam-style questions with a full mark scheme. No sign-up, no email wall - just the PDF, free for personal and classroom use.
Build a full practice pack.
This topic is one of hundreds in the library - pick the ones a student needs and generate a printable PDF in minutes.