Showing coordinates
- Java: press F3 (or Fn + F3 on some keyboards). Coordinates appear on the left of the debug screen. A server may still limit this information.
- Bedrock: the "Show Coordinates" option is in the world settings. It depends on the settings chosen by the owner of the world or server.
Reading the three values
X and Z describe your horizontal position; Y gives your height. Always note the dimension along with the numbers: the same coordinates in the Nether and in the Overworld don't point to the same place.
The Nether has a twist: one block travelled horizontally there equals eight blocks in the Overworld. Height stays the same (Nether portal, Minecraft Wiki). Handy for travelling fast, as long as you write down both sets of coordinates.
Planning your way back
- Write down your base's coordinates before leaving, on paper or in an in-game book.
- Add the cave entrances and portals you use.
- To get back, compare X first, then Z, with your destination: that tells you which way to walk.
- Keep an eye on Y as you get close; your base may be underground or up high.
- Don't panic if coordinates are turned off: a few visual landmarks will do.
The compass doesn't point to your bed
A normal compass points to the world spawn, in the Overworld. Sleeping in a bed doesn't redirect it. A compass linked to a lodestone follows a different target.
A word on multiplayer
On a public server, don't share the coordinates of a base you want to keep hidden. So it's best to keep your landmarks to yourself. Before your first trip, take a look at the guide to building a Nether portal.
Sources
Official Minecraft guide to the compass, Nether portal, Minecraft Wiki. Sources checked in October 2026. Modded worlds and servers may apply different rules.