1. **State the problem:** Find the surface area of a sphere with radius $r = 12$ cm. 2. **Formula:** The surface area $A$ of a sphere is given by the formula: $$A = 4\pi r^2$$ 3. **Substitute the radius:** $$A = 4\pi (12)^2$$ 4. **Calculate the square of the radius:** $$12^2 = 144$$ 5. **Substitute and simplify:** $$A = 4\pi \times 144$$ 6. **Multiply constants:** $$A = 576\pi$$ 7. **Approximate using $\pi \approx 3.1416$:** $$A \approx 576 \times 3.1416 = 1809.56$$ 8. **Final answer:** The surface area of the sphere is approximately **1809.56 cm²**.