Redstone Comparator
Renewable |
Yes |
---|---|
Stackable |
Yes (64) |
Tool |
Any tool |
Blast resistance |
0 |
Hardness |
0 |
Luminant |
No |
Transparent |
Yes |
Flammable |
No |
Catches fire from lava |
No |
A redstone comparator is a block used in redstone circuits to maintain, compare, or subtract signal strength, or to measure certain block states (primarily the fullness of containers).
Contents
Obtaining[edit]
Breaking[edit]
A redstone comparator can be broken instantly with any tool, including the player's fist, and drops itself as an item.
Block | Redstone Comparator | |
---|---|---|
Hardness | 0 | |
Breaking time | ||
Default | 0.05 |
A redstone comparator is removed and dropped as an item if:
- its attachment block is moved, removed, or destroyed;
- water flows into its space;[Java Edition only]
- or a piston tries to push it or moves a block into its space.
If lava flows into a redstone comparator's space, the redstone comparator is destroyed without dropping itself as an item.
Crafting[edit]
Ingredients | Crafting recipe |
---|---|
Redstone Torch + Nether Quartz + Stone |
Usage[edit]
A redstone comparator can be placed on the top of any opaque block with a solid full-height top surface (including upside-down slabs and upside-down stairs). In Bedrock Edition, a comparator can also be placed on walls and fences. For more information about placement on transparent blocks, see Opacity/Placement.
The redstone comparator has a front and a back — the arrow on the top of the comparator points to the front. When placed, the comparator faces away from the player. The comparator has two miniature redstone torches at the back and one at the front. The back torches turn on when the comparator's output is greater than zero (the arrow on top also turns red). The front torch has two states that can be toggled by using the comparator:
- Down and unpowered (indicating the comparator is in "comparison mode")
- Up and powered (indicating the comparator is in "subtraction mode")
The redstone comparator can take a signal strength input from its rear as well as from both sides. Side inputs are accepted only from redstone dust, redstone blocks, redstone repeaters and other comparators. The redstone comparator's front is its output.
It takes 1 redstone tick (2 game ticks, or 0.1 seconds barring lag) for signals to move through a redstone comparator, either from the rear or from the sides. This applies to changing signal strengths as well as simply to turning on and off. Redstone comparators usually do not respond to 1-tick fluctuations of power or signal strength — for example, a 1-clock input is treated as always off from the side, and always on from the rear.
The redstone comparator has four functions: maintain signal strength, compare signal strength, subtract signal strength, and measure certain block states (primarily the fullness of containers).
Maintain signal strength[edit]
A redstone comparator with no powered sides outputs the same signal strength as its rear input.
Compare signal strength[edit]
A redstone comparator in comparison mode (front torch down and unpowered) compares its rear input to its two side inputs. If either side input is greater than the rear input, the comparator output turns off. If neither side input is greater than the rear input, the comparator outputs the same signal strength as its rear input.
Formula: Output = Rear × (Left <= Rear AND Right <= Rear)
Subtract signal strength[edit]
A redstone comparator in subtraction mode (front torch up and powered) subtracts the signal strength of the higher side input from the signal strength of the rear input.
Formula: Output = max(Rear - max(Left, Right), 0)
For example: if the signal strength is 6 at the left input, 7 at the right input and 4 at the rear, the output signal has a strength of max(4 - max(6, 7), 0) = max(4-7, 0) = max(-3, 0) = 0.
If the signal strength is 9 at the rear, 2 at the right input and 5 at the left input, the output signal has a strength of max(9 - max(2, 5), 0) = max(9-5, 0) = 4.
Measure block state[edit]
A redstone comparator treats certain blocks behind it as power sources and output a signal strength proportional to the block's state. The comparator may be separated from the measured block by a solid block. However, in Java Edition, if the solid block is powered to signal strength 15, then the comparator outputs 15 no matter the fullness of the container.[1]
Containers[edit]
Using a redstone comparator to measure the state of a container will output a signal strength in proportion to how full the container is (0 for empty, 15 for full, etc.).
Containers that can be measured by a comparator include:
- Furnace
- Blast Furnace
- Smoker
- Brewing Stand
- Hopper
- Minecart with Hopper on top of a detector rail
- Dispenser
- Dropper
- Chest
- Trapped Chest
- Minecart with Chest on top of a detector rail
- Barrel
- Large chest
- Large trapped chest
- Shulker Box (any color)
Generally speaking, the comparator output signal strength represents the average fullness of the slots, based on how many of that item form a full stack (64, 16, or 1 for non-stackable items).
The Minimum Items for Container Signal Strength table (right) shows the minimum number of 64-stackable items required to produce the different signal strengths from each type of container. Numbers followed by an "s" or "i" indicate the number of full 64-stack equivalents ("s"), and additional items less than a stack ("i") required. For items that stack in 16s (snowballs, signs, ender pearls, etc.), divide the "i" number by 4 and round up. Each non-stackable item counts as one full-stack.
For example, to produce a signal strength of 10 from a hopper requires the equivalent of 3 full stacks plus 14 more items, or 206 items total, assuming they all stack in 64.
When a comparator measures a large chest or large trapped chest, it measures the entire large chest (54 slots), not just the half directly behind the comparator. A chest or trapped chest that cannot be opened (either because it has an opaque block, ocelot, or cat above it) always produces an output of 0 no matter how many items are in the container — shulker boxes can always be measured, even if they cannot open.
- Calculating signal strength from items
- When a container is empty, the output is off.
- When it is not empty, the output signal strength is calculated as follows:
signal strength = floor(1 + ((sum of all slots' fullnesses) / (number of slots in container)) * 14)
fullness of a slot = (number of items in slot) / (max stack size for this type of item)
- Example: 300 blocks in a dispenser (which has 9 slots), where each block stacks to a maximum of 64, produces output with a signal strength of 8:
1 + ((300 items / 64 items per slot) / 9 slots) * 14 = 8.292, floored is 8
- Note that a non-stackable item is counted as a full slot (1 item in a slot, with a max stack size of 1: 1 / 1 = 1.0), and items that stack up to 16 (such as ender pearls, snowballs and eggs) are similarly considered a full slot at 16.
- Calculating items from signal strength
- It can be useful in redstone circuits to use containers with comparators to create signals of a specific strength. The number of items required in a container to produce a signal of desired strength is calculated as follows:
items required = max(desired signal strength, roundup((total slots in container * 64 / 14) * (desired signal strength - 1) ) )
- Example: To use a furnace (which has 3 slots) to create a strength 9 signal, players need 110 items:
max(9, (3*64/14)*(9-1)) = 109.714, rounded up is 110
Miscellaneous[edit]
Some non-container blocks can also be measured by a redstone comparator:
- A cake outputs a signal strength relative to the amount of cake remaining. Each slice is worth 2 signal strength, with 7 total slices, for an output of 14 for a full cake.
- A cauldron outputs different signal strengths depending on how much water is inside. From completely empty to completely full, the output values are 0, 1, 2, and 3. If lava is inside, the strength is always 1[upcoming: JE 1.17] or 3[Bedrock Edition only]
- A composter outputs different signal strengths depending on the level inside. From completely empty to completely full, the output values are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- A command block stores the "success count" of the last command executed, which represents the number of times the most recently used command of this command block succeeded. A "success" is defined by the command's success conditions: if a red error message is returned in the chat, the command was not successful.
- Most commands can succeed once per execution, but certain commands (such as those that accept players as arguments) can succeed multiple times, and the comparator outputs the number of times it succeeded (maximum 15 when sent to redstone dust, but is in code able to go up to 32-bit integer limit, and can be used in contraptions with no redstone dust with those values).
- A command block continues to store the success count of the last command executed until it executes its command again, thus the comparator continues to output the same signal strength even after the command block is no longer being activated (it doesn't turn off when the signal to the command block turns off).
- An end portal frame outputs a full signal of 15 if it contains an eye of ender and zero otherwise.
- A comparator can measure the state of an item frame's contents. An item frame comparator outputs 0 if the item frame is empty, or 1 to 8 for any item depending on its rotation: 1 at initial placement, plus 1 for each 45° of rotation for a maximum of 8.
- For an item frame that holds a map, a unit of rotation is 90° instead of 45°, but a comparator still outputs power levels 1 to 8. It takes two full rotations to cycle through all comparator outputs, and each orientation of the map corresponds to two output levels that differ by 4.
- The comparator must be placed behind the block the item frame is attached to, facing away from the item frame. The block must be a full block, and the item frame cannot be submerged in water. Having a sign in the same block as the item frame will prevent the frame from sending a signal as well.[Java Edition only]
- A jukebox outputs a signal strength indicating which music disc is currently playing. See the Minimum Items for Container Signal Strength table above.
- A lectern outputs a signal strength that depends on what page the player is currently on. (e.g. a book with 15 pages powers 1 redstone level per page, or one with 5 pages emits 3 signal strength per page.)
- A hive or nest outputs a signal strength equal to the amount of honey in the hive/nest.
- A respawn anchor outputs a signal strength of 0, 3, 7, 11, or 15, depending on the “charged” value.
- Sculk Sensor [upcoming: JE 1.17 & BE 1.17]
- A sculk sensor outputs a signal strength depending on the type of vibration that is detected.
Sounds[edit]
Generic[edit]
Sound | Subtitle | Source | Description | Namespaced ID | Translation key | Volume | Pitch | Attenuation distance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Block broken | Blocks | Breaking the block | block.wood.break | subtitles.block.generic.break | 1.0 | 0.8 | 16 | |
None[sound 1] | Blocks | Falling on the block with fall damage | block.wood.fall | None[sound 1] | 0.5 | 0.75 | 16 | |
Block breaking | Blocks | Mining the block | block.wood.hit | subtitles.block.generic.hit | 0.25 | 0.5 | 16 | |
Block placed | Blocks | Placing the block | block.wood.place | subtitles.block.generic.place | 1.0 | 0.8 | 16 | |
Footsteps | Blocks | Walking on the block | block.wood.step | subtitles.block.generic.footsteps | 0.15 | 1.0 | 16 |
Sound | Source | Description | Namespaced ID | Volume | Pitch |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
? | Blocks | Breaking the block | dig.wood | 1.0 | 0.8 |
? | Blocks | Falling on the block with fall damage | fall.wood | 0.4 | 1.0 |
? | Blocks | Mining the block | hit.wood | 0.23 | 0.5 |
? | Blocks | Jumping from the block | jump.wood | 0.12 | 1.0 |
? | Blocks | Falling on the block without fall damage | land.wood | 0.18 | 1.0 |
? | Blocks | Walking on the block | step.wood | 0.3 | 1.0 |
? | Blocks | Placing the block | use.wood | 1.0 | 0.8 |
Unique[edit]
Sound | Subtitle | Source | Description | Namespaced ID | Translation key | Volume | Pitch | Attenuation distance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparator clicks | Blocks | Sound played when switching between comparison and subtraction modes | block.comparator.click | subtitles.block.comparator.click | 0.25 | ? | 16 |
Data values[edit]
ID[edit]
Name | Namespaced ID | Form | Translation key |
---|---|---|---|
Redstone Comparator | comparator | Block & Item | block.minecraft.comparator |
Name | Namespaced ID |
---|---|
Block entity | comparator |
Redstone Comparator | Namespaced ID | Numeric ID | Form | Translation key |
---|---|---|---|---|
Unpowered block | unpowered_comparator | 149 | Block | tile.unpowered_comparator.name |
Powered block | powered_comparator | 150 | Block | tile.powered_comparator.name |
Item | comparator | 404 | Item | item.comparator.name |
Name | Savegame ID |
---|---|
Block entity | Comparator |
Metadata[edit]
In Bedrock Edition, redstone comparators use the following data values: A redstone comparator's block data specifies its orientation, mode, and powered status.
Bits | Values |
---|---|
0x1 0x2 |
A two-bit field storing a value from 0 to 3 specifying the redstone comparator's orientation:
|
0x4 | Set if in subtraction mode (front torch up and powered). |
0x8 | Set if powered (at any power level). |
Block states[edit]
Name | Default value | Allowed values | Description |
---|---|---|---|
facing | north | east north south west | The direction from the output side to the input side of the comparator, or the opposite from the direction the player faces while placing the comparator. |
mode | compare | compare subtract | Specifies the current mode of the redstone comparator. |
powered | false | false true | True if the redstone comparator is being powered. |
Name | Default value | Allowed values | Description |
---|---|---|---|
direction | 0 | 0 1 2 3 | The direction from the output side to the input side of the comparator, or the opposite from the direction the player faces while placing the comparator. |
output_lit_bit | 0 | 0 1 | True if the redstone comparator is being powered. |
output_subtract_bit | 0 | 0 1 | Specifies the current mode of the redstone comparator. |
Block data[edit]
A redstone comparator has a block entity associated with it that holds additional data about the block.
- Block entity data
- Tags common to all block entities see Template:Nbt inherit/blockentity/template
- OutputSignal: Represents the strength of the analog signal output of this redstone comparator.
Video[edit]
History[edit]
Java Edition | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
November 24, 2012 | Jeb stated that there may be a "capacitor" in Minecraft. | ||||||
December 27, 2012 | Dinnerbone released pictures of the first version of the "comparator", stating it was a replacement for the "capacitor" idea that has variable, alternate inputs. | ||||||
January 2, 2013 | Dinnerbone released one more picture of the comparator. The picture itself showing a digital-to-analog converter, using the comparator as the main block. | ||||||
1.5 | 13w01a | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||||
Redstone comparators have 0 delay. | |||||||
13w01b | A delay of 1 game tick (1⁄2 redstone tick) has now been added to redstone comparators to fix bugs. | ||||||
The ability to measure containers to redstone comparators has now been added. | |||||||
13w02a | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The appearance of redstone comparators has now been changed - the top texture has changed to show quartz in the middle and the sides now use the smooth stone texture rather than the smooth stone slab side texture. | ||||||
The algorithm for measuring containers has now been changed so that redstone comparators output a signal with as few as 1 item in the container. | |||||||
13w02b | Redstone comparators now treat large chests as a single container. | ||||||
13w03a | Redstone comparators now output success count of command blocks. | ||||||
Redstone comparators now measure container minecarts on detector rails. | |||||||
13w04a | Redstone comparators now measure jukeboxes. | ||||||
13w05a | Redstone comparators no longer cause constant block updates. The delay has now been made consistent, and side input no longer causes a pulse output. | ||||||
Block 150 (powered_comparator ) is no longer used; powered state is now represented by the 8s bit on block 149 (unpowered_comparator ). | |||||||
13w05b | Redstone comparator delay has now been changed from 1 game tick (1/2 redstone tick) to 2 game ticks (1 redstone tick). | ||||||
13w09c | The redstone signal strength from a redstone comparator next to a brewing stand with 3 water bottles in it is now the same as one with 3 water bottles and 1 ingredient in it. | ||||||
1.6.1 | 13w18a | Redstone comparators now measure cauldrons and end portal frames. | |||||
1.8 | 14w04a | Redstone comparators now measure item frames. | |||||
14w10a | The torches under redstone comparators have now been shortened, which has changed the underside appearance from ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||
14w25a | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The torches on comparators are now subject to ambient occlusion. | ||||||
Comparators set to subtract mode appear to be powered as well regardless of incoming power. The subtracting-only model still exists and can be achieved through /setblock . | |||||||
14w25b | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() The powered front torch when in subtraction mode is now lower. | ||||||
Comparators set to subtract by hand now appear normally again. | |||||||
14w28a | Redstone comparators now measure cakes. | ||||||
1.9 | 15w42a | With the addition of the blaze powder fuel slot, brewing stands now have 5 slots instead of 4. Their original comparative power values from redstone comparators are listed below:
| |||||
15w47a | Redstone comparators' side inputs now take power from redstone blocks. | ||||||
1.13 | 17w47a | All 3 IDs for the redstone comparator have now been merged into one ID: comparator .
| |||||
Redstone comparators now render their underside, which has changed their undersides from ![]() ![]() | |||||||
Prior to The Flattening, these blocks' numeral IDs were 149 and 150, and the item's 404. | |||||||
1.14 | 18w43a | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||||
19w02a | Redstone comparators now measure lecterns. | ||||||
19w03a | Redstone comparators now measure composters. | ||||||
19w12b | Redstone comparators can now be placed on glass, ice, glowstone and sea lanterns. | ||||||
1.15 | 19w34a | Redstone comparators now measure how much honey is inside bee hives and bee nests. | |||||
1.16 | 20w06a | The way to calculate the input signals of redstone comparators has now been changed. | |||||
20w11a | The changes to the way of calculating the input signals of redstone comparators from 20w06a have now been reverted. | ||||||
20w16a | Redstone comparators now measure Pigstep music discs in jukeboxes. | ||||||
Upcoming Java Edition | |||||||
1.17 | 20w45a | Redstone comparators now measure Lava cauldrons. | |||||
20w46a | Redstone comparators now measure Powder Snow Cauldrons. | ||||||
Pocket Edition Alpha | |||||||
v0.14.0 | build 1 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||||
Pocket Edition | |||||||
1.0.0 | alpha 0.17.0.1 | Redstone comparators now measure end portal frames. | |||||
1.0.5 | alpha 1.0.5.0 | Redstone comparators now output success count of command blocks. | |||||
1.1.0 | alpha 1.1.0.0 | Redstone comparators now measure shulker boxes. | |||||
Bedrock Edition | |||||||
1.2.0 | beta 1.2.0.2 | Redstone comparators now measure jukeboxes. | |||||
Redstone comparators now render their underside, which has changed their undersides from ![]() ![]() | |||||||
1.10.0 | beta 1.10.0.3 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | |||||
1.11.0 | beta 1.11.0.1 | Redstone comparators now measure smokers, blast furnaces, lecterns and composters. | |||||
Legacy Console Edition | |||||||
TU19 | CU7 | 1.12 | Patch 1 | 1.0.1 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||
TU31 | CU19 | 1.22 | Patch 3 | Redstone comparators can now measure item frames. | |||
1.90 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ||||||
New Nintendo 3DS Edition | |||||||
0.1.0 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Redstone comparator "items"[edit]
- Bedrock Edition history (addition, changes made)
- Pick Block functionality.
Java Edition | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.5 | 13w01a | ![]() ![]() /give command or inventory editors with numeric item IDs 149 and 150. | |||
13w02a | ![]() ![]() | ||||
? | Both items are called tile.comparator.name. | ||||
1.7.2 | 13w37a | The direct item forms of redstone comparators have been removed from the game. They can no longer exist as items in any way, only as placed blocks. |
Issues[edit]
Issues relating to "Redstone Comparator" are maintained on the bug tracker. Report issues there.
Trivia[edit]
- Comparators are intentionally designed by Mojang to not emit redstone particles when powered, unlike redstone torches and repeaters.[2]