ServerBuddy
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Minecraft Server RAM Calculator

Enter the players you expect, your server software and view distance. You get a RAM range for the Java heap, a plan size for your host and a startup command. The numbers are estimates, so watch real memory use once players join.

Minecraft Server RAM Calculator tool icon
server.properties generatorSet view distance, simulation distance and max players in a ready server.properties file.server.properties explainedWhat each setting does, including the ones that change memory and CPU use.

Estimate server RAM

Change the inputs and the estimate updates. It covers the Java heap for one Java Edition server.

4 to 5 GB
Java heap: 4 to 5 GBHost or plan: at least 6 GBFlags: -Xms5G -Xmx5G

Startup command

Paper recommends Aikar's flags. Add them between the -Xmx value and -jar, and keep -Xms equal to -Xmx.

These are estimates from rules of thumb, not measurements. Large farms, many entities and world generation all use more. Watch real memory use with a profiler such as spark once players join.

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Why use this tool

Each utility supports a practical task around finding, preparing or presenting a public Minecraft server.

  • Get a RAM range for vanilla, Paper or modded servers from players, view distance, plugins and modpack size.
  • Copy a startup command with matching -Xms and -Xmx values.
  • See when lowering view distance helps more than buying more RAM.
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Related server lists

Find servers by game mode and compare their recent activity.

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RAM calculator FAQ

Concise answers for players and server owners using this ServerBuddy utility.

How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?

A vanilla or Paper server for a few friends runs well on 3 to 4 GB. A public Paper server with 20 to 50 players usually needs 6 to 10 GB. Modpacks need more: about 6 GB for a light pack and 10 GB or more for a large one.

Is more RAM always better?

No. Heap the server does not need only makes garbage collection pauses longer. Most single servers gain nothing past 10 to 16 GB. CPU speed and view distance usually matter more.

What are Aikar's flags?

A set of Java garbage collection flags for Minecraft servers, written by Aikar and recommended in the Paper documentation. Use them with -Xms and -Xmx set to the same value.

Should -Xms and -Xmx be the same?

On a dedicated server, yes. Both at the same value reserves the memory at startup, so the heap does not resize while players are online. Leave 1 to 2 GB of the machine's RAM for the operating system.