How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
There is no exact formula: memory use depends on how many chunks are loaded, how many entities and redstone machines are running, and what your plugins or mods do. As a starting point:
| Server | RAM |
|---|---|
| Vanilla or Paper, 1–5 friends | 2–3 GB |
| Vanilla, about 10 players | 4 GB |
| Paper with plugins, 20–50 players | 6–8 GB |
| Light modpack (under 50 mods) | 4–6 GB |
| Large modpack (200+ mods) | 8–12 GB or more |
| Bedrock Dedicated Server, small group | 1–2 GB |
The calculator starts from a base for your software, adds memory per player (scaled by the chunks each player keeps loaded at your view distance) and per plugin or mod, then rounds up to a range. Treat it as a first guess, then watch real usage with a tool like spark and adjust.
What uses the most RAM
- View distance. Each player loads a square of chunks around them, so going from 10 to 16 chunks loads about 2.5 times as many. Lowering it is the quickest saving.
- Mods. Modpacks load every mod's blocks, items and code at startup, before anyone joins.
- Spread-out players. Ten players in one town share chunks; ten players exploring in different directions do not.
- Entities. Big mob farms, item piles and villager halls cost memory and CPU.
Can you give a server too much RAM?
Yes. Past what the server needs, extra memory does nothing, and very large heaps can make garbage-collection pauses longer. Paper's documentation also warns to leave 1–1.5 GB of the machine's memory free for Java itself and the system on top of -Xmx. If the server lags with plenty of RAM free, the bottleneck is usually CPU speed or an unoptimised world, not memory.
How to set the RAM for a Java server
Set the memory with -Xms (starting) and -Xmx (maximum) in your start command, and keep them the same. For example, java -Xms4G -Xmx4G -jar server.jar nogui gives the server 4 GB. On a hosting panel, pick the plan size instead; the host sets these flags for you. Paper servers can also use Aikar's flags for smoother garbage collection.
Next steps for server owners
- Let friends in from outside your home network: how to port forward a Minecraft server.
- Keep it private with a server whitelist, and set up ranks and rules with the server commands guide.
- Check it is reachable from outside with the server status checker.
- See what players expect by browsing other Java servers and SMP servers.
- When it is ready for players, add your server to NewMinecraftServers for free.
Server RAM questions
How much RAM do I need for a Minecraft server?
For a few friends on vanilla or Paper, 2–3 GB. For about 10 players, 4 GB. Busy plugin servers often use 6–8 GB and big modpacks 8–12 GB or more. Bedrock Dedicated Server needs less, around 1–2 GB for a small group.
How much RAM does a modded Minecraft server need?
A light modpack with under 50 mods usually runs in 4–6 GB. Large packs with 200 or more mods often need 8–12 GB, plus more for many players or a high view distance. Check the modpack's own recommendation too.
Can a Minecraft server have too much RAM?
Yes. Memory the server does not need is wasted, and very large heaps can lengthen garbage-collection pauses. Leave 1–1.5 GB of the machine free for Java and the system, and look at CPU if the server still lags.
Does view distance affect server RAM?
A lot. Each player keeps a square of chunks loaded, so raising view distance from 10 to 16 loads about 2.5 times as many chunks per player. Lowering it is the easiest way to save memory.
Should -Xms and -Xmx be the same?
Yes. Paper recommends setting both to the same value so the server gets its full memory from the start and does not resize the heap while running.