Snake Cube Solver
How to read your snake
Lay the snake out as straight as it will go. It falls into runs of cubes in a line, with a turn between each run. Count the cubes in each run, from one end to the other, and type those numbers separated by commas.
The cube at a turn belongs to both runs, so count it twice. That is why the
numbers add up to more than 27. For a standard snake cube the lengths total
27 + (number of runs - 1). The counter checks this as you type, so if it says the total
is wrong you have miscounted a run rather than bought a broken puzzle.
Reading the answer
The three grids are the finished cube cut into layers, bottom to top. The number in each square is the position of that cube along the snake. 1 is the first cube, marked in blue, and 27 is the last, in amber. Follow the numbers in order and the snake folds itself.
Most snake cubes have more than one solution. This shows the first one found, which is a complete and correct fold, not necessarily the only one.
If it says no solution
- Recount the runs. Easily the most common cause. A turning cube belongs to both runs it touches, so it gets counted twice.
- Check which end you started from. Either end is fine, but do not switch halfway.
- Count the cubes. A standard snake cube has 27 and makes a 3x3x3. Larger ones with 64 cubes make a 4x4x4 and are a different puzzle.
If the numbers check out and it still reports nothing, the sequence genuinely cannot fold into a cube, which does happen with home-made and 3D-printed snakes.
The snake cube guide covers solving it by hand, including why a solution written for someone else's snake will not transfer to yours. The Snake Cube itself is one continuous chain, so no piece can be lost, and the wider range is in mechanical puzzles.