How Much RAM Does My Minecraft Server Need?
How Much RAM Does My Minecraft Server Need?
The right amount of RAM depends on three things: your server type (vanilla, plugins, or mods), your player count, and whether you're running a modpack.
Vanilla Minecraft
A vanilla server with no plugins or mods has the lowest RAM requirements.
| Players | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | 1–2 GB |
| 10–20 | 2–4 GB |
| 20–50 | 4–6 GB |
| 50+ | 6–8 GB |
Plugin-Based (Paper / Spigot / Purpur)
Plugins add overhead depending on how many you run and what they do. A server with 10–20 plugins typically needs 1–2 GB more than vanilla.
| Players | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | 2–3 GB |
| 10–20 | 3–5 GB |
| 20–50 | 5–7 GB |
| 50+ | 7–10 GB |
Modded (Forge / Fabric)
Mods are more memory-intensive than plugins. RAM needs scale primarily with the number and complexity of mods, not just player count.
| Players | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | 4–6 GB |
| 10–20 | 6–8 GB |
| 20–50 | 8–12 GB |
Modpacks by Size
If you're running a curated modpack, use the mod count as a guide:
| Modpack Size | Mod Count | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | 20–50 mods | 4–6 GB |
| Medium | 50–100 mods | 6–8 GB |
| Heavy | 100–200 mods | 8–12 GB |
| Very heavy (e.g. All the Mods, GT: New Horizons) | 200+ mods | 12–16 GB |
Why More RAM Isn't Always Better
A common mistake is allocating as much RAM as possible. This can actually make performance worse.
Java uses a garbage collector (GC) to manage memory. The larger the heap, the longer each GC cycle takes — and during a GC pause, the server freezes. This is what causes those periodic lag spikes even when TPS looks fine.
Recommended maximums:
| Server Type | Max RAM |
|---|---|
| Vanilla | 4 GB |
| Plugin-based | 6 GB |
| Modded | 8 GB |
| Heavy modpacks | 12 GB |
If your server has enough RAM but still lags, the problem is almost always CPU or configuration. See How to Optimize Your Minecraft Server Performance for tuning guides.
Choosing a Plan
Pick a plan that matches your server type and expected player count from the tables above. If you're unsure, start with a mid-range plan — you can always upgrade later without losing your world data.
Browse our Minecraft server hosting plans to find the right fit.