To calculate the total surface area of a cube, you can use the formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 6s^2 \]
where \( s \) is the length of a side of the cube.
In this case, the side length \( s \) is given as 5 inches. Plugging this value into the formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 6 \times (5)^2 \]
Calculating \( (5)^2 \):
\[ (5)^2 = 25 \]
Now, substituting back into the surface area formula:
\[ \text{Surface Area} = 6 \times 25 = 150 \]
Thus, the total surface area of the cube is:
\[ \boxed{150} \text{ square inches} \]