How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
Memory is the first thing most Minecraft hosts ask about, and the most misunderstood. More is not always better. Here is how to pick the right amount for your server and keep it running smoothly.
What uses memory
- Loaded chunks. Every player keeps the chunks around them loaded, and higher view and simulation distances load more.
- Players. More players spread across the world means more loaded areas.
- Plugins and mods. Each one adds its own data, and big modpacks add the most.
- Entities. Farms, mobs and dropped items all live in memory.
Recommended RAM
| Server | Memory for Minecraft |
|---|---|
| Vanilla or Paper, up to 10 players | 2–3 GB |
| Paper with plugins, 10–30 players | 4–6 GB |
| Paper with plugins, 30–80 players | 6–10 GB |
| Light modpack, under 100 mods | 6–8 GB |
| Heavy modpack, 150 mods or more | 10–16 GB |
| Network with Velocity | Each server's memory, plus about 1 GB for the proxy |
When you size the whole machine, add 1 to 2 GB on top for the operating system.
Why more RAM is not always better
Java has to clean up unused memory, and a very large heap can mean longer pauses while it does. Giving a small Paper server 32 GB will not make it faster. Give it enough for your players and mods, then watch real usage.
Use less memory and lag less
- Run Paper or Purpur instead of the vanilla server. They are much faster on the same hardware.
- Lower view-distance and simulation-distance in server.properties. Small changes save a lot of memory.
- Pre-generate your world with a plugin like Chunky, so new chunks are not created while players explore.
- Use the startup flags the Paper project recommends, often called Aikar's flags, and set the same minimum and maximum memory.
- Find what is slow with the spark profiler instead of guessing.
CPU matters too
Minecraft runs each world's main loop on one thread, so a fast CPU core keeps the tick rate at 20 when the server is busy. Enough memory prevents crashes; a fast core prevents lag.
If Java reports an out of memory error instead, see how to fix Minecraft memory errors.
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