Nether portal calculator

How the nether portal calculator works

One block in the Nether is eight blocks in the Overworld. To find where to build a Nether portal for a given Overworld place, divide X and Z by 8 and round down. To go the other way, multiply by 8. Height (Y) is not scaled, so keep it the same or choose any safe height from 0 to 120 in the Nether.

When you step through a portal, the game looks for an existing portal near the target: about 128 blocks away in the Overworld or 16 blocks away in the Nether. If it finds none, it builds a new portal. Two portals that are close together in the Nether can both link to the same Overworld portal, so space your Nether portals at least 16 blocks apart.

Worked example

An Overworld base at X 800, Z -400 matches Nether X 100, Z -50. Build your Nether portal at 100, 70, -50, and walking through it takes you to the base. From the Nether, the same portal sends you to 800, -400.

Java Edition and Bedrock Edition

The 8 to 1 scale and the search ranges are the same on Java and Bedrock. The Overworld is taller than the Nether, so keep your Y between 0 and 120 in the Nether to stay below the bedrock roof.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Y coordinate change between dimensions?

No. Y is not scaled. The Nether only goes from 0 to 127, with a bedrock roof at the top, so use a Y between about 5 and 120.

Why did my portal link to the wrong place?

The game links to the nearest existing portal in range, not to exact coordinates. A portal you built earlier may be closer than the one you meant. Move portals further apart or remove the extra one.

Does the calculator work for the End?

No. The End has no coordinate scaling. The Overworld and the Nether are the only two dimensions with the 8 to 1 rule.

How do I see my coordinates?

On Java press F3. On Bedrock turn on Show Coordinates in the world settings. Our coordinates guide shows both.