Divide by 8 going in, multiply by 8 coming out
One block in the Nether equals eight blocks in the Overworld, on the X and Z axes only. Take your Overworld coordinates, divide each by 8 and round down to place the linked Nether portal. To go the other way, multiply the Nether coordinates by 8. The Y height does not change.
Why traders build the Nether hub
- Eight times the distance. Walking 1,000 blocks in the Nether moves you 8,000 blocks across the Overworld, which is the whole point of Nether roads.
- Linking, not teleporting to a point. The game finds the nearest portal within 128 Nether blocks and sends you there; only if none exists does it build a fresh one.
- Keep hubs 128 apart. Two Nether portals closer than 128 blocks can grab each other's link. Space them out (1024 Overworld blocks) for clean, predictable travel.
Building the portal itself
- Obsidian. 10 blocks is the minimum frame if you skip the corners; a full 4×5 frame uses 14.
- Size. Anywhere from 4×5 up to 23×23. The 4×5 is standard.
- Light it. Flint and steel, a fire charge, a ghast fireball or lightning inside the frame all work.
Common questions
How do I convert Overworld coordinates to the Nether?
Divide the X and Z by 8 and round down. So Overworld X=800, Z=400 links to Nether X=100, Z=50. The Y height stays the same.
Does the 8 to 1 ratio apply to the Y axis?
No. Only X and Z are divided by 8. Height (Y) carries over unchanged between dimensions.
Why does my portal link to the wrong place?
A portal links to the nearest existing portal within range, not to exact coordinates. In the Nether that range is 128 blocks. Build your return portal at the exact calculated coordinates, and keep separate portals at least 1024 Overworld blocks (128 Nether blocks) apart so they do not fight over the link.
