Best Y level for ores
Where every ore generates, and the best Y level to mine it. Calculated from the world generation files of the current Java Edition.
Choose an ore
Best Y level for every ore
"Best Y" is where the most ore generates. In the Overworld the bottom five layers (Y −64 to −60) are partly bedrock, so the best level to dig a tunnel is never below −59.
How ore generation works
Every chunk (16 × 16 blocks) tries to place a fixed number of ore veins. Each try picks a random height from a range, either evenly (the same chance at every Y) or in a triangle: most likely in the middle of the range and rarer towards the edges. Some ores have several of these rules at once, which is why iron and coal have two peaks.
Strip mining for diamonds
Diamonds are most common at the very bottom of the world. Dig a 1×2 tunnel at Y −59, just above the bedrock, and leave two blocks between tunnels so you see every block. Many diamond veins are "buried": they do not generate if they touch air, so caves show fewer diamonds than solid rock.
Deepslate
Below Y 0 stone turns into deepslate, which is slower to mine. Ores there drop the same items, but take longer to break; Efficiency and Haste help a lot.
Biome bonuses
- Badlands generate a lot of extra gold between Y 32 and 256.
- Dripstone Caves have extra large copper veins.
- Emeralds generate only in mountain biomes (peaks, slopes, meadows, groves, windswept hills, cherry groves).
- Basalt Deltas in the Nether have twice the gold and quartz.
Ancient debris
Ancient debris never touches air when it generates, so you only find it by digging. It is most common around Y 15; beds and TNT are the fastest way to clear netherrack.
About this tool
What is the best Y level for diamonds?
Y −59. Diamonds are most common at the very bottom of the world, but Y −64 to −60 is partly bedrock, so tunnel at −59 or −58.
What is the best Y level for iron?
Iron has two peaks: around Y 16 underground and around Y 232 inside tall mountains. Underground, Y 16 is the practical choice.
Where do I find ancient debris?
In the Nether, most often around Y 15. It never touches air when it generates, so dig through netherrack instead of looking in caves.