The surface area \(A\) of a cube can be calculated using the formula:
\[ A = 6s^2 \]
where \(s\) is the length of one edge of the cube.
In this case, the edge length \(s\) is 4 inches. Plugging this value into the formula:
\[ A = 6(4^2) \]
Calculating \(4^2\):
\[ 4^2 = 16 \]
Now substituting this back into the formula:
\[ A = 6 \times 16 = 96 \]
Thus, the surface area of the cube is:
\[ \boxed{96} \text{ inches}^2 \]