How to Build Perfect Circles in Minecraft (Without Losing Your Mind)

Minecraft is a game made entirely of cubes. So naturally, the first thing every human wants to build is a round wizard tower. Physics says no. We say yes.

Building a circle in a grid world is basically optical illusion magic. If you get the pixel placement slightly wrong, it doesn't look like a circle. It looks like a squashed potato. Or a deflated balloon.

Here is how to trick your brain into seeing a circle.

1. The "Quadrant" Trick

Don't try to build the whole circle at once. You will mess it up. Build one quarter (1/4) of the circle first. Then just rotate and copy that shape 3 times. It saves brain power.

2. Common Circle Charts

Here are the "magic numbers" for the most common circle sizes. (Format: Center -> Outwards)

• Diameter 5 (Tiny): 2 - 1 - 2
• Diameter 9 (Small Tower): 3 - 2 - 1 - 2 - 3
• Diameter 13 (Standard Base): 5 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 5
• Diameter 21 (Mega Base): 5 - 2 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 5

Wait, what do these numbers mean? It means for a width of 5: Place 2 blocks, turn. Place 1 block, turn. Place 2 blocks. Done.

3. How to Generate Any Size

Do not guess. Go to our Generator Tool. We don't have a specific "Circle Button" yet, but you can just upload a white circle image and it will generate the perfect grid for you.

4. Ovals (The Boss Fight)

Circles are easy. Ovals are pain. If you need an oval (for a ship or organic shape), you basically stretch the center segments. If a circle is 3 - 1 - 3, an oval is 3 - 5 - 3. You drag out the middle.

5. Spheres

If you want to build a dome:

1. Build a flat circle on the ground (the base).
2. Build a vertical circle in the middle (the arches).
3. Fill in the gaps. Or just use WorldEdit (//sphere glass 10) like a sane person.

Summary

• Odd numbers (9, 11, 13) have a center block. Good for pointed roofs.
• Even numbers (10, 12, 14) have a 2x2 center. Good for double doors.

Pick your poison.