Parity: a free online speedcubing timer
Parity times Rubik's Cube solves in your browser. Each solve gets a WCA-style random-state scramble, and a 3D cube in the corner scrambles itself so you can check your cube before you start. Sessions, averages, charts and a PLL, OLL and F2L trainer are built in, and it is free with no account.
What Parity does
- Stackmat-style timer. Hold the space bar until the timer turns green, let go to start, and press any key to stop. On a phone, touch and hold the timer area.
- Random-state scrambles for 3×3, 2×2, Pyraminx, Skewb and Clock, generated in the browser, plus random-move scrambles for 4×4 to 7×7, Megaminx and Square-1.
- 3D scramble preview for every event. The puzzle turns through the scramble move by move while the scramble text highlights each move. Drag it to see every side.
- WCA inspection with optional 8 and 12 second calls, and automatic +2 and DNF penalties.
- Sessions and statistics: single, mo3, ao5, ao12, ao50 and ao100 with current and best values, a progression chart, a time distribution, sub-X milestones and a practice calendar.
- Algorithm trainer with all 21 PLLs, all 57 OLLs, 2-look OLL, 2-look PLL and all 41 F2L cases, each with a case diagram and a real scramble that sets it up.
- Twenty themes, from quiet light and dark looks to Terminal, Game Boy, Blueprint, Brutalist, Retro OS and Neon.
- Import from csTimer and export a backup at any time.
Supported puzzles and scrambles
| Event | Scramble | 3D preview |
|---|---|---|
| 3×3, 3×3 One-Handed, 3×3 Blindfolded | Random state, two-phase solver, about 21 moves | Yes |
| 2×2 | Random state, optimal solution, at least 4 moves | Yes |
| 4×4, 5×5, 6×6, 7×7 | Random move: 40, 60, 80 and 100 moves | Yes |
| Pyraminx | Random state, at least 6 moves plus random tips | Yes |
| Skewb | Random state, at least 7 moves | Yes |
| Megaminx | Random move, 7 lines in Pochmann notation | Yes |
| Clock | Random state in current WCA notation | Yes |
| Square-1 | Random move with legal slices only | Yes |
How to time a solve
- Pick your puzzle from the menu at the top. The scramble appears above the timer.
- Hold your cube with white on top and green in front, then apply the scramble. The 3D preview shows what your cube should look like.
- Hold the space bar until the timer and the two pads above it turn green.
- Release the space bar to start and solve. Press any key to stop.
- The time is saved to the current session and a new scramble appears. Mark +2 or DNF straight away if you need to.
Inspection and penalties
With inspection turned on in Settings, tap the space bar to begin 15 seconds of inspection, then hold and release to start, as in a WCA competition. Starting between 15 and 17 seconds adds a 2 second penalty (+2). Starting after 17 seconds is a DNF (did not finish). Blindfolded solves skip inspection.
How averages are calculated
Parity follows the WCA rules. An average of 5 (ao5) drops the best and worst of the last five solves and takes the mean of the middle three. An ao12 drops one best and one worst. Longer averages drop 5% from each end, so ao50 drops 3 and ao100 drops 5. A mean of 3 (mo3) uses every solve. A DNF counts as the worst time. One DNF can be dropped, but two in an ao5 make the whole average a DNF.
What random-state scrambles are
A random-state scrambler picks a position uniformly at random from every position the puzzle can reach, then finds a short sequence of moves that leads to it. That makes every scramble equally fair, which is why the WCA uses random-state scrambles where it can. Parity solves 3×3 positions with a two-phase solver and finds optimal solutions for 2×2, Pyraminx and Skewb, all inside your browser.
The algorithm trainer
Pick a set (PLL, OLL, 2-look PLL, 2-look OLL or F2L) and the cases you want to drill. Hold your cube with yellow on top and green in front and apply the scramble: it sets up one case with the rest of the last layer scrambled, so you practise recognition as well as execution. After each solve Parity shows the case name, the algorithm and your recent average for that case. F2L cases are for the front-right slot with the cross on the bottom.
Keyboard shortcuts
| Space | Hold until green, release to start. Any key stops the timer. |
| Esc | Cancel the timer or inspection without saving |
| → / ← | Next or previous scramble |
| Alt + 1, 2, 3 | Mark the last solve as no penalty, +2 or DNF |
| Alt + Z | Delete the last solve |
| ? | Show all shortcuts |
Frequently asked questions
Is Parity free?
Yes. Parity is free, has no ads and needs no account. Everything runs in your browser.
Are Parity's scrambles the same kind the WCA uses?
For 3×3, 2×2, Pyraminx, Skewb and Clock, yes: they are random-state scrambles, like the ones TNoodle generates for competitions. 5×5 to 7×7 and Megaminx use random-move scrambles, as the WCA does. 4×4 and Square-1 use random-move scrambles here, where the WCA uses random state.
What do ao5 and ao12 mean?
ao5 is the average of your last five solves with the best and worst removed. ao12 is the average of your last twelve with the best and worst removed. They are the standard way speedcubers measure their pace.
Can I move my times from csTimer?
Yes. Export from csTimer, then choose Import in Parity's Settings. Each csTimer session becomes a Parity session for the matching puzzle.
Where are my solves stored?
Your solves are saved in your browser's local storage on your device and never sent to a server. Export a backup from Settings to keep a copy or to move to another device.
Does Parity work on a phone?
Yes. Touch and hold the timer area until it turns green, let go to start, and tap anywhere to stop. The layout adapts to small screens.
How do I practise PLL, OLL or F2L?
Open the Trainer, pick a set, select the cases you want and press space to time each one. Parity scrambles your cube into a random selected case and shows the algorithm after you solve it.
Parity is an independent project and is not affiliated with Rubik's Brand Ltd or the World Cube Association.