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:
\[ A = 6 \times (8)^2 = 6 \times 64 = 384 \text{ square inches} \]
Thus, the surface area of the cube is 384 square inches.