Minecraft ore heights — interactive map
Choose an ore to see its exact height, generation range, and best mining method.
Diamonds: best height Y −59
Diamond ore becomes more common with depth. Y −59 keeps the chance near maximum while avoiding most bedrock interruptions.
- Best height
- Y −59
- Generation range
- Y −64…16
- Rarity
- Rare
- Vein size
- up to 10 blocks, rarely up to 23
Diamonds distribution
| Height | Of peak |
|---|---|
| Y −64 | 100% |
| Y −56 | 93% |
| Y −48 | 85% |
| Y −40 | 78% |
| Y −32 | 71% |
| Y −24 | 63% |
| Y −16 | 56% |
| Y −8 | 49% |
| Y 0 | 16% |
| Y 8 | 8% |
| Y 16 | 1% |
| Y 24 | 0% |
| Y 32 | 0% |
From the Java 1.20.2 – 26.2 generation files, in solid rock: some veins skip cave walls.
Branch mine at Y −59
- 1Descend to Y −59
- 2Dig a 1×2 main tunnel
- 3Space branches 2 blocks apart
PickaxeIron pickaxe or betterBest height for every ore
Choose an ore to see its best height, full range, and mining advice.
How to use the ore height map
Choose an ore in the top row. The map immediately shows its practical Y level, full generation range, distribution shape, and recommended mining method. The best height accounts for the mathematical peak as well as lava, bedrock, open caves, and tunnel efficiency.
Why diamonds are mined at Y −59
Diamond ore appears from Y 16 down to the world bottom and becomes more common with depth. Bedrock interrupts the lowest layers, so Y −59 keeps the chance near maximum while remaining convenient for a two-block-high branch mine. Use at least an iron pickaxe; Fortune III increases diamond drops.
What else affects ore frequency
- Biome: emeralds generate in mountains, dripstone caves contain more copper, and badlands contain more gold.
- Air exposure: some diamond, coal, gold, and lapis veins are less likely on open cave walls.
- World version: existing chunks are not regenerated after an update; new rules apply in newly generated chunks.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best height for diamonds?
The best practical height is Y −59. Diamonds become more common near the world bottom, but Y −59 avoids most bedrock interruptions.
Are ore heights the same in Java and Bedrock?
Almost: since Java 1.18 and Bedrock 1.18.0 ores follow shared rules. There are three differences: ancient debris in Bedrock spreads evenly across Y 8–23, while Java peaks at Y 16; Bedrock iron veins are larger, up to 16 blocks instead of 13; Bedrock mountain biomes add an extra coal band at Y 128–256. More diamonds in deepslate arrived in Java 1.20.2 and Bedrock 1.20.30.
How do I see the Y coordinate in Minecraft?
In Java Edition, press F3 and read the second value in XYZ. In Bedrock Edition, enable Show Coordinates in the world settings.
How far apart should branch-mine tunnels be?
Leave two solid blocks between neighboring branches. Each new tunnel then exposes the most new blocks without unnecessary overlap.
Why can’t I find ore at the listed height?
Height represents probability, not a guaranteed vein. Results depend on chunk generation, biome, caves, and whether the area was generated before a version update.