Find the side length of the cube

The volume of a cube is given by $V = a^3$. Given $V = 216\text{ cm}^3$, we find the side length $a$ by taking the cube root.

$a = \sqrt[3]{216} = 6\text{ cm}$

Calculate the total surface area

The surface area of a cube with side length $a$ is given by $6a^2$. Substituting $a = 6\text{ cm}$ gives the final result.

$SA = 6 \times (6)^2 = 6 \times 36 = 216\text{ cm}^2$