The total surface area \( A \) of a cube can be calculated using the formula:
\[ A = 6s^2 \]
where \( s \) is the length of a side of the cube.
For a cube with a side length of 5 inches:
\[ A = 6(5)^2 \] \[ A = 6 \times 25 \] \[ A = 150 \text{ square inches} \]
Thus, the total surface area of the cube is \( 150 \) square inches.