The surface area \( A \) of a cube can be calculated using the formula:
\[ A = 6s^2 \]
where \( s \) is the side length of the cube.
For a cube with a side length of \( 8 \) inches:
\[ A = 6 \times (8)^2 \]
Calculating \( (8)^2 \):
\[ (8)^2 = 64 \]
So we have:
\[ A = 6 \times 64 = 384 \]
Therefore, the surface area of the cube is \( \text{384 square inches} \).