Nether portals

A tunnel of 100 blocks in the Nether covers the same horizontal distance as 800 blocks in the Overworld. A small, signed hub can turn a long surface trip into a short walk, once you have built safe tunnels between its portals.

Work out the coordinates

Divide Overworld X and Z by eight to find the matching Nether position. A base at (1280, -2048) points to about (160, -256) in the Nether. The vertical coordinate is not scaled.

◯OverworldX:1280Y:64Z:-2048

↔

◆NetherX:160Y:64Z:-256

The coordinates guide where to build, but portals are not guaranteed to pair because the numbers match. The game searches for a nearby exit when you cross. An existing portal can claim a new entrance, especially in a crowded hub.

Build and test a route

1. Build and light a portal at your base. A standard small frame takes 10 obsidian if you omit the corners, or 14 with them.
2. Cross over and mark the Nether portal's coordinates. Wall in the arrival area before you leave it.
3. Divide your destination's Overworld X and Z by eight. Tunnel from the hub to that Nether position, then build a second portal there.
4. Cross into the Overworld and check where you arrived. Walk back through, too: a route only works if both directions lead to the intended portals.
5. Label both entrances and record their coordinates. If the return trip links to another portal, move or rebuild the misplaced exit closer to its intended coordinate and test again.

A full wall and roof protect a Nether tunnel from ghast fireballs. Bring blocks for repairs and keep the path easy to follow. The Nether here has unfamiliar terrain and structures, so scout the route before carrying your best gear through it.

You can also shape a portal with obsidian and crying obsidian instead of a rectangle. See Freeform portals for the lighting rules.

See also

• Freeform portals for custom frames
• Waystones for named stops
• Travel overview for other routes