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Minecraft Ore Distribution Chart: Best Y Levels
Diamonds are most common at Y -59 in Minecraft 1.18 and newer. This chart shows the best Y level for every ore.
Where should you mine? This chart shows how common each ore is at every height, for your version. Diamonds moved to Y -59 in 1.18, so pick 1.18+, 1.17 or 1.16 and older, or switch to the Nether for ancient debris.
Updated October 2026
Ore Distribution
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Best Y level for every ore in 1.18 and newer
| Ore | Best Y | Found | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Y -59 | Y -64 to 16 | Most common at the very bottom. Mine at Y -59 and dodge lava. |
| Redstone | Y -59 | Y -64 to 15 | Floods the deepslate layers. |
| Gold | Y -16 | Y -64 to 32 | Badlands also have extra gold from Y 32 to 256. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Y 0 | Y -64 to 64 | Peaks around Y 0. |
| Iron | Y 16 | Y -64 to 320 | Two peaks: Y 16 underground and Y 232 in mountains. |
| Copper | Y 48 | Y -16 to 112 | Dripstone caves have even more. |
| Coal | Y 96 | Y 0 to 320 | Everywhere above Y 0. Peaks at Y 96. |
| Emerald | Y 232 | Y -16 to 320 | Mountains only. Peaks high up. |
Best Y level for Nether ores
| Ore | Best Y | Found | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Debris | Y 15 | Y 8 to 119 | Mine at Y 15. Use beds or TNT to blast. 1.16+. |
| Nether Gold | Y 60 | Y 10 to 117 | Even spread. 1.16+. |
| Nether Quartz | Y 60 | Y 10 to 117 | Even spread across the Nether. |
Best Y level for every ore in 1.17
| Ore | Best Y | Found | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond | Y 11 | Y 1 to 16 | Y 5 to 12 is best. Y 11 sits above most lava. |
| Redstone | Y 11 | Y 0 to 15 | |
| Gold | Y 11 | Y 0 to 31 | Badlands have extra gold up to Y 79. |
| Lapis Lazuli | Y 15 | Y 0 to 30 | |
| Iron | Y 16 | Y 0 to 63 | |
| Copper | Y 48 | Y 0 to 96 | New in 1.17. |
| Coal | Y 45 | Y 0 to 127 | |
| Emerald | Y 16 | Y 4 to 31 | Mountains only. |
How to use the Ore Distribution
- Pick your version, or the Nether.
- Look for the widest part of each ore's shape. That's where it's most common.
- Tap an ore to highlight it and see its best Y level.
- Press F3 in game to see your Y coordinate.
FAQ
What is the best Y level for diamonds?
Y -59 in 1.18 and newer. In 1.17 and older, Y 11 is best because it sits just above most lava lakes.
What is the best Y level for ancient debris?
Y 15 in the Nether. Beds and TNT clear the netherrack around it fast.
Where is iron most common?
In 1.18+, around Y 16 underground and Y 232 high in mountains.
What is the best Y level for redstone?
Y -59. Floods the deepslate layers.
What is the best Y level for gold?
Y -16. Badlands also have extra gold from Y 32 to 256.
What is the best Y level for lapis lazuli?
Y 0. Peaks around Y 0.
What is the best Y level for copper?
Y 48. Dripstone caves have even more.
What is the best Y level for coal?
Y 96. Everywhere above Y 0. Peaks at Y 96.
What is the best Y level for emerald?
Y 232. Mountains only. Peaks high up.
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