How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
Memory is the number every host sells by, and the easiest place to overspend or come up short. Here's a realistic guide by server type and player count.
Quick guide
- Vanilla or Paper, up to about 10 players: 2 GB.
- Paper with a dozen plugins, 10 to 20 players: 3 to 4 GB.
- A public server with 20 to 50 players: 6 to 8 GB, and good CPU matters as much as memory.
- Light modpacks or a few dozen mods: 4 GB.
- Big modpacks (All the Mods, large Create packs): 6 to 8 GB or more.
Bedrock players joining through Geyser count the same as Java players. Exploring a lot (new chunks) needs more than staying near spawn.
More RAM isn't always faster
Once the server has enough memory, adding more doesn't make it smoother. Lag usually comes from the CPU: too many entities, redstone, or generating new chunks. A server with far too much memory can even stutter more, because Java's garbage collector has more to clean at once.
Signs you need more
java.lang.OutOfMemoryErrorin the console, or the server crashing as people explore.- Memory sitting near the limit in the panel's Overview while players are on.
- Long freezes every few minutes that go away when fewer people are online.
If memory looks fine but it still lags, see how to reduce lag.
Jump's plans
Free servers have 2 GB, enough for vanilla or a light plugin server with friends. Paid plans are 2 GB ($4.99), 4 GB ($9.99), 6 GB ($14.99) and 8 GB ($19.99) a month, and their CPU can burst up to 3 to 6 cores when the machine has room. You can move between plans any time in Settings without losing anything.
Questions
How much RAM for 5 friends on vanilla?
2 GB is plenty.
How much RAM for All the Mods?
At least 6 GB, and 8 GB is more comfortable once a few players are building.
Does Bedrock need less RAM?
Bedrock players joining a Java server through Geyser use about the same as Java players.