In the vast world of Minecraft, mastering redstone circuitry opens up a realm of automation and complex mechanisms. At the heart of many advanced redstone builds lies the Redstone Comparator, a versatile component that can perform comparisons, subtractions, and signal strength measurements. If you’re looking to elevate your Minecraft creations, understanding How To Craft Comparator is a fundamental step.
This guide will walk you through the process of crafting a redstone comparator, ensuring you have all the information you need to start incorporating this powerful tool into your projects. Whether you’re playing on Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or any other supported platform, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding the Redstone Comparator
Before diving into the crafting process, it’s essential to understand what a redstone comparator is and why it’s so valuable. In essence, a comparator is a logic component in redstone circuits. It primarily serves three key functions:
- Comparison: It compares the signal strength of its rear input with the signal strength of its side inputs.
- Subtraction: In subtraction mode, it subtracts the strongest side input signal from the rear input signal.
- Signal Strength Measurement: It can measure the signal strength of containers (like chests and hoppers), item frames, and other blocks.
These functionalities make the comparator indispensable for creating intricate redstone contraptions, from automatic farms and sorting systems to complex logic gates and adventure maps.
Platforms Supporting Redstone Comparators
Redstone comparators are a core feature of Minecraft and are available across a wide range of platforms. Here’s a breakdown of platform compatibility:
| Platform | Supported (Version*) |
|---|---|
| Java Edition (PC/Mac) | Yes (1.5) |
| Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition | Yes (0.14.0) |
| Xbox 360 | Yes (TU19) |
| Xbox One / Bedrock Edition | Yes (CU7) |
| PS3 | Yes (1.12) |
| PS4 / Bedrock Edition | Yes (1.12) |
| Wii U | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition | Yes |
| Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition | Yes (0.14.0) |
| Education Edition | Yes |
* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
Gathering the Necessary Materials
To craft a redstone comparator, you will need the following ingredients. These materials are relatively easy to obtain in the game, making the comparator accessible even in early to mid-game stages.
Redstone Torches
You will need 3 Redstone Torches. Redstone torches are crafted from 1 stick and 1 redstone dust. Redstone dust is obtained by mining redstone ore, commonly found deep underground. Sticks are crafted from wooden planks, which are derived from logs obtained from trees.
Nether Quartz
You will require 1 Nether Quartz. Nether quartz is a resource exclusively found in the Nether dimension. You can mine nether quartz ore, which is abundant throughout the Nether, particularly in the lower areas.
Stone
Finally, you’ll need 3 Stones. Stone is a basic building block in Minecraft. It’s obtained by smelting cobblestone in a furnace. Cobblestone is acquired by mining naturally occurring stone blocks found underground or on mountainsides.
Once you have gathered these materials, you are ready to craft your redstone comparator.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Redstone Comparator
Crafting a redstone comparator is a straightforward process performed at a crafting table. Follow these steps to create your comparator:
Step 1: Accessing the Crafting Table
First, you need to access a crafting table. If you don’t have one yet, you can easily craft a crafting table using 4 wooden planks of any type. Place the crafting table in your desired location and interact with it to open the 3×3 crafting grid interface.
Step 2: Arranging Materials in the Crafting Grid
In the 3×3 crafting grid, arrange the materials in the precise pattern shown below. This specific arrangement is crucial for successfully crafting a redstone comparator.
- First Row: Place 1 Redstone Torch in the middle slot.
- Second Row: Place 1 Redstone Torch in the first slot, 1 Nether Quartz in the middle slot, and 1 Redstone Torch in the third slot.
- Third Row: Place 3 Stones in all three slots.
Follow this pattern meticulously to ensure you get the desired result.
Step 3: Moving the Crafted Comparator to Your Inventory
Once you’ve placed the materials correctly, a redstone comparator will appear in the result slot on the right side of the crafting interface. Simply drag the redstone comparator from the result slot to your inventory to complete the crafting process.
Congratulations! You have successfully crafted a redstone comparator in Minecraft. You can now use this versatile component in your redstone projects.
Finding Redstone Comparators in Creative Mode
If you are playing in Creative Mode, you don’t need to craft a redstone comparator. It’s readily available in the Creative Inventory. The location varies slightly depending on your Minecraft version and platform, but generally, you can find it in the Redstone or Items tabs.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of where to find redstone comparators in the Creative Inventory across different platforms and versions:
Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Java Edition (PC/Mac) | 1.8 – 1.19 | Redstone |
| Java Edition (PC/Mac) | 1.19.3 – 1.21.1 | Redstone Blocks |
Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition | 0.14.1 – 1.1.3 | Tools |
| Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition | 1.2 – 1.21.0 | Items |
Minecraft Xbox Editions
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | TU35 – TU69 | Redstone and Transportation |
| Xbox One / Bedrock Edition | CU23 – CU43 | Redstone and Transportation |
| Xbox One / Bedrock Edition | 1.2.5 – 1.21.0 | Items |
Minecraft PS Editions
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 | 1.26 – 1.76 | Redstone and Transportation |
| PS4 / Bedrock Edition | 1.26 – 1.91 | Redstone and Transportation |
| PS4 / Bedrock Edition | 1.14.0 – 1.21.0 | Items |
Minecraft Nintendo
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wii U | Patch 3 – Patch 38 | Redstone and Transportation |
| Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition | 1.04 – 1.11 | Redstone and Transportation |
| Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition | 1.5.0 – 1.21.0 | Items |
Minecraft Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition | 0.14.1 – 1.1.3 | Tools |
| Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition | 1.2 – 1.21.0 | Items |
Minecraft Education Edition
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Education Edition | 0.14.2 – 1.0.18 | Tools |
| Education Edition | 1.0.21 – 1.21.03 | Items |
Redstone Comparator Item ID and Names
For advanced users or those using commands, knowing the Item ID and Names of the redstone comparator can be helpful. Here’s a table outlining these details across different platforms and versions:
Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | Java | 1.8 – 1.12 | |
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 64 | Java | 1.13 – 1.21.1 |
Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | PE / Bedrock Edition | 1.0 – 1.21.0 |
Minecraft Xbox One / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | Xbox One / Bedrock Edition | 1.6.0 – 1.21.0 |
Minecraft PS4 / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | PS4 / Bedrock Edition | 1.14.0 – 1.21.0 |
Minecraft Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | Switch / Bedrock Edition | 1.6.0 – 1.21.0 |
Minecraft Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition | 1.0 – 1.21.0 |
Minecraft Education Edition
| Item | Description(Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Platform | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator(minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | Education Edition | 1.0 – 1.21.03 |
Redstone Comparator Block States
Block states define the properties of a placed redstone comparator, such as its facing direction, mode (compare or subtract), and power state. Understanding block states is crucial for advanced redstone mechanics and commands.
Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| facing | north | Yes | No | [facing=north] | Item is facing North |
| facing | south | No | No | [facing=south] | Item is facing South |
| facing | east | No | No | [facing=east] | Item is facing East |
| facing | west | No | No | [facing=west] | Item is facing West |
| mode | compare | Yes | No | [mode=compare] | Item is in compare mode |
| mode | subtract | No | No | [mode=subtract] | Item is in subtract mode |
| powered | false | Yes | No | [powered=false] | Item is not powered |
| powered | true | No | No | [powered=true] | Item is currently powered |
Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 | Yes | No | [“direction”=0] | Item is facing North |
| direction | 1 | No | No | [“direction”=1] | Item is facing East |
| direction | 2 | No | No | [“direction”=2] | Item is facing South |
| direction | 3 | No | No | [“direction”=3] | Item is facing West |
| output_lit_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Item is not powered |
| output_lit_bit | true | No | No | [“output_lit_bit”=true] | Item is powered |
| output_subtract_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Item is in compare mode |
| output_subtract_bit | true | No | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=true] | Item is in subtract mode |
Minecraft Xbox One / Bedrock Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 | Yes | No | [“direction”=0] | Item is facing North |
| direction | 1 | No | No | [“direction”=1] | Item is facing East |
| direction | 2 | No | No | [“direction”=2] | Item is facing South |
| direction | 3 | No | No | [“direction”=3] | Item is facing West |
| output_lit_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Item is not powered |
| output_lit_bit | true | No | No | [“output_lit_bit”=true] | Item is powered |
| output_subtract_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Item is in compare mode |
| output_subtract_bit | true | No | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=true] | Item is in subtract mode |
Minecraft PS4 / Bedrock Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 | Yes | No | [“direction”=0] | Item is facing North |
| direction | 1 | No | No | [“direction”=1] | Item is facing East |
| direction | 2 | No | No | [“direction”=2] | Item is facing South |
| direction | 3 | No | No | [“direction”=3] | Item is facing West |
| output_lit_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Item is not powered |
| output_lit_bit | true | No | No | [“output_lit_bit”=true] | Item is powered |
| output_subtract_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Item is in compare mode |
| output_subtract_bit | true | No | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=true] | Item is in subtract mode |
Minecraft Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 | Yes | No | [“direction”=0] | Item is facing North |
| direction | 1 | No | No | [“direction”=1] | Item is facing East |
| direction | 2 | No | No | [“direction”=2] | Item is facing South |
| direction | 3 | No | No | [“direction”=3] | Item is facing West |
| output_lit_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Item is not powered |
| output_lit_bit | true | No | No | [“output_lit_bit”=true] | Item is powered |
| output_subtract_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Item is in compare mode |
| output_subtract_bit | true | No | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=true] | Item is in subtract mode |
Minecraft Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 | Yes | No | [“direction”=0] | Item is facing North |
| direction | 1 | No | No | [“direction”=1] | Item is facing East |
| direction | 2 | No | No | [“direction”=2] | Item is facing South |
| direction | 3 | No | No | [“direction”=3] | Item is facing West |
| output_lit_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Item is not powered |
| output_lit_bit | true | No | No | [“output_lit_bit”=true] | Item is powered |
| output_subtract_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Item is in compare mode |
| output_subtract_bit | true | No | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=true] | Item is in subtract mode |
Minecraft Education Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 | Yes | No | [“direction”=0] | Item is facing North |
| direction | 1 | No | No | [“direction”=1] | Item is facing East |
| direction | 2 | No | No | [“direction”=2] | Item is facing South |
| direction | 3 | No | No | [“direction”=3] | Item is facing West |
| output_lit_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Item is not powered |
| output_lit_bit | true | No | No | [“output_lit_bit”=true] | Item is powered |
| output_subtract_bit | false | Yes | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Item is in compare mode |
| output_subtract_bit | true | No | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=true] | Item is in subtract mode |
Give Command for Redstone Comparator
For map makers, server administrators, or players who simply prefer using commands, the /give command is a quick way to obtain redstone comparators. Here are the commands for different Minecraft versions:
Give Command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.13 and later:
/give @p comparator 1In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) versions 1.8 to 1.12:
/give @p comparator 1 0Give Command in Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition
In Minecraft Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition 1.12.0 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 0Give Command in Minecraft Xbox One / Bedrock Edition
In Minecraft Xbox One / Bedrock Edition 1.12.0 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 0Give Command in Minecraft PS4 / Bedrock Edition
In Minecraft PS4 / Bedrock Edition 1.14.0 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 0Give Command in Minecraft Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition
In Minecraft Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition 1.12.0 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 0Give Command in Minecraft Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition
In Minecraft Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition 1.12.0 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 0Give Command in Minecraft Education Edition
In Minecraft Education Edition 1.12.0 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 0Unlocking the Potential: Uses of Redstone Comparators
Now that you know how to craft comparator, it’s time to explore its applications. Redstone comparators are incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous redstone circuits. Here are a few examples to spark your imagination:
- Item Detection and Counting: Comparators can detect the presence and quantity of items within containers like chests, hoppers, and minecart chests. This is essential for creating automatic sorting systems, item counters, and storage monitors.
- Logic Gates: Comparators are fundamental in building various logic gates, including AND, OR, XOR, and more complex gates. These logic gates are the building blocks of advanced redstone computers and automation systems.
- Inventory Management Systems: By measuring item quantities, comparators can control item flow in your storage systems, ensuring efficient distribution and preventing overflows.
- Conditional Activation: Comparators can activate redstone circuits only when specific conditions are met, such as a chest reaching a certain fill level or an item frame containing a particular item.
- Signal Strength Manipulation: Comparators can be used to compare and subtract redstone signal strengths, allowing for precise control and manipulation of redstone signals in complex circuits.
By mastering the crafting and utilization of redstone comparators, you’ll unlock a new level of sophistication in your Minecraft redstone creations. Experiment with different configurations and discover the endless possibilities this powerful component offers.
Conclusion
Crafting a redstone comparator in Minecraft is a simple yet crucial skill for anyone venturing into redstone engineering. With just a few readily available resources and a crafting table, you can equip yourself with a tool that unlocks a vast potential for automation, logic, and intricate mechanisms in your Minecraft worlds. So, gather your redstone torches, nether quartz, and stones, and start crafting comparators to elevate your redstone projects today!
