Efficiency enchantment in Minecraft
Efficiency makes a tool break blocks faster. It adds the level squared plus one to the tool's mining speed: +2 at level I and up to +26 at Efficiency V. It goes on pickaxes, axes, shovels, hoes and shears, and only helps on blocks the tool is meant for.
Efficiency at a glance
- Max level
- V
- Works on
- Axe, Hoe, Pickaxe and Shovel
- Enchanting table
- Yes
- Incompatible with
- None
- Rarity
- Common (weight 10)
- Anvil cost
- ×1 on an item, ×1 on a book
What does Efficiency do?
Makes a tool mine faster: each level adds mining speed. It also works on shears.
Efficiency IEfficiency IIEfficiency IIIEfficiency IVEfficiency V How to get Efficiency
Best wayEnchanting tableAppears on the table for axe, hoe, pickaxe and shovel. The level depends on the XP you spend and your bookshelves.
RandomLibrarian villagersLibrarians can sell a Efficiency book. Reset an unemployed villager’s lectern until the trade appears.
RandomChests and fishingEnchanted books in structure chests, and fishing treasure, can carry Efficiency.
CombineAnvilCombine a Efficiency book with the item on an anvil.
Items that take Efficiency
Primary items show up on the enchanting table; the others only get it through an anvil.
Combining Efficiency
No incompatibility: it combines with every other enchantment its item can take.
Commands
/enchant @s minecraft:efficiency 5/give @s minecraft:enchanted_book[stored_enchantments={"minecraft:efficiency":5}]Efficiency level by level
| Level | Mining speed added |
|---|---|
| I | +2 |
| II | +5 |
| III | +10 |
| IV | +17 |
| V | +26 |
The bonus grows fast at high levels, which is why the jump from IV to V is worth the anvil cost on a main pickaxe.
Instant mining with Haste
Efficiency stacks with the Haste effect from a beacon. With Haste II, a diamond or netherite pickaxe with Efficiency V breaks stone instantly (cobblestone, which is harder, still takes a moment), which makes tunneling and clearing areas much faster.
On which tool?
- Pickaxe: the main use, for stone, deepslate and ores.
- Shovel: dirt, sand, gravel and snow go almost instantly at Efficiency V.
- Axe: faster logging, and faster planks and wooden blocks.
- Hoe: leaves, hay bales, sculk and moss.
- Shears: wool and leaves.
Efficiency is compatible with every other tool enchantment. The classic pickaxe set is Efficiency V, Fortune III or Silk Touch, Unbreaking III and Mending.
✓ Checked in Java Edition 26.3 · updated 31 October 2026
Efficiency — FAQ
How much faster is Efficiency V?
It adds +26 to the tool's mining speed. With Haste II, a diamond or netherite pickaxe breaks stone instantly.
Can you put Efficiency on shears?
Yes. Shears accept Efficiency, which makes them cut wool and leaves faster.
Can you get Efficiency from an enchanting table?
Yes. Efficiency can appear on the enchanting table for axe, hoe, pickaxe and shovel.
What is the max level of Efficiency?
Efficiency goes up to level V.
What is Efficiency incompatible with?
Efficiency is compatible with every other enchantment its item can take.