How to Make an Item Sorter in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: An item sorter uses a hopper filled with exactly 41 of the target item plus 4 single filler items, a comparator reading that hopper, and a redstone torch that locks a second hopper below. When extra target items raise the signal from 2 to 3, the torch unlocks and the sorter pulls the extras into a chest - everything else flows past to the next module.

What you need

Per item: 2 hoppers, 1 comparator, 1 redstone torch, 1 chest
Redstone dust and solid building blocks
41 of each item to sort + 4 filler items per module
Input line: hoppers or a water stream

Step by step

Learn the one-line idea. A comparator reads how full the filter hopper is. The filter is tuned so only the target item can raise the signal, and the raised signal briefly unlocks a hopper that drains the overflow into a chest.
Build the base module. Run a line of hoppers into a row of chests. Behind each, place a second hopper (the filter) facing into a solid block, with a comparator reading it, dust, and a redstone torch that locks the hopper below the filter.
Load the filter correctly. Put 41 of the item you want to sort in the first slot, then ONE filler item in each of the other four slots. Fillers must stack to 64 and must never appear in your storage input - named or junk items like sticks work.
Understand the signal. With 41+1+1+1+1 the comparator outputs strength 2. When more target items arrive the stack grows, the output hits 3, the torch turns off and the lower hopper unlocks just long enough to drain the extras, then relocks. Other items cannot raise the signal, so they slide past.
Repeat the module per item. Tile the same build once per item type along your input line, each feeding its own chest. Leave one-hopper gaps or use the standard tileable layout so neighboring redstone does not cross-talk.
Protect against overflow. If a chest fills completely, its filter backs up and can break the module next door. Give every sorted item enough chest space, or add an overflow chest at the end of the line for unsorted items.
Test before trusting it. Throw a stack of the target item and a stack of junk into the input. The target lands in its chest and the junk travels to the unsorted bin - then it is safe to connect your farm output.

Java vs Bedrock

The classic filter works in Java and Bedrock. In Java, comparators can read the filter hopper through a solid block, which the common compact layouts rely on; Bedrock versions of the same design may need the comparator directly against the hopper. Build a design made for your edition.

Versions: Item sorters have been possible since comparators arrived in Java 1.5 (2013), and the 41-plus-filler filter design has been the community standard ever since - it still works unchanged in the latest versions.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my sorter break and mix items?

Almost always an overflow: the chest filled, the filter hopper backed up past 41 items, and the module started passing the target item downstream. Empty the chest, refill the filter to exactly 41+1+1+1+1, and give high-volume items more storage.

Can I sort unstackable items like tools or armor?

Not with the classic filter - it depends on stack counting. Unstackables need dedicated designs (usually with a hopper trying to match the item) or simply a manual chest. Most players send everything unstackable to the unsorted bin.

How many items can one sorter handle?

A single filter hopper moves 2.5 items per second, so one module handles most farms. For very fast farms (raid, gold), split the input across several parallel sorters or pre-sort with water streams into multiple lines.