How Moves Are Counted (QTM, HTM, STM…)

What counts as "one move" on a Rubik's Cube depends on which metric you use. When comparing move-count records or solutions, it's standard practice to state which metric is being used. Here are the main ones.

QTM (Quarter Turn Metric)

Counts only 90° turns as a single move; a 180° turn (e.g. R2) counts as two moves.

HTM (Half Turn Metric / Face Turn Metric)

Counts any turn of a single face — 90° or 180° — as one move. This is the most widely used metric, and "move count" usually refers to this by default.

STM (Slice Turn Metric)

Counts a turn of one layer, including an inner slice, as one move (90° or 180°). On 3x3x3, M/E/S and wide moves also count as one move when whole-cube rotations are free.

BTM (Block Turn Metric)

Counts a single turn of any contiguous block of layers as one move, including a block made up only of inner slices. That is where it differs from OBTM, which only counts blocks containing an outer layer as one move.

OBTM (Outer Block Turn Metric)

Counts a turn of several consecutive layers together as a single move; used for comparing move counts on larger cubes.

ATM (Axial Turn Metric)

Treats layers on the same axis as turnable at the same time, so consecutive turns about one axis are counted together as a single move. For example, R L' counts as one move.

ETM (Execution Turn Metric)

A metric based on the number of physical hand movements actually executed; commonly used in speedcubing records.

cubepic's counting convention

cubepic's displayed move count treats one turn of any contiguous block of layers — however many layers, 90° or 180° — as one move, and whole-cube rotations (x/y/z) as zero moves. 2x2x2: HTM; 3x3x3: STM; 4x4x4+: BTM. A solution may end with a whole-cube rotation; it is not counted. All sizes share the same BTM counting principle. On 3x3x3, a wide turn is equivalent to a turn of the opposite single layer plus a free whole-cube rotation, so the count agrees with STM. On 2x2x2 there are no inner slices, so it agrees with HTM. The polyhedra follow the same principle. Kilominx (standard): HTM; Pyraminx (standard), Megaminx (standard): STM; Master Pyraminx, Professor Pyraminx, Master Kilominx, Gigaminx: BTM.

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