NOT gate in redstone

One block, one torch on top. The simplest redstone logic there is. Footprint 1 wide × 3 deep × 2 tall. Build it block by block in Minecraft.

How to build it

The photo shows the build from the side:

  1. Place a lever at the bottom — that's your input A.
  2. Run redstone dust up one block to reach the side of a solid block. Powering this block from the side via dust is what will drive the inverter.
  3. Put a redstone torch on top of that block.
  4. Run dust off the top of the block, up to whatever consumes the output — here it's a note block so you can hear the signal click on and off.

Why it works

A redstone torch is on by default and turns off as soon as the block it's attached to is powered. Flip the lever:

One block, one torch, one inversion.

Gotchas