Efficiency is a Minecraft Java Edition enchantment in the mining group, with a maximum level of V.
minecraft:efficiency
Multiplies mining speed by level² + 1. Efficiency V mines 26× as fast as the bare tool, which is what makes endgame tools feel instant on stone and dirt.
Tip: Efficiency V on a netherite pickaxe insta-mines stone with Haste II from a beacon — the classic quarry setup.
Efficiency is the first enchantment to put on every tool: pickaxe, axe, shovel, hoe, and shears all benefit. Remember the multiplier only applies when the tool matches the block — an Efficiency V pickaxe is still slow on dirt. Pair it with Unbreaking and Mending, because faster mining also eats durability faster.
Enchanting table, Librarian villager trades, structure chest loot, and fishing treasure. Combine two Efficiency IV books or tools on an anvil to reach V.
Hold a valid item in your main hand, then run (Java Edition 1.13+; the level is optional and defaults to 1):
This example applies the maximum level V. An anvil combines two matching levels only up to this maximum — higher levels exist only through commands.
Efficiency applies to axes, pickaxes, shovels, hoes. Items from the reviewed catalog in this group:
Efficiency makes you mine faster; Fortune makes blocks drop more. They stack and the standard mining pickaxe runs both — Efficiency V for speed, Fortune III for diamonds.
Silk Touch collects the block itself instead of its drops, and is mutually exclusive with Fortune — but fully compatible with Efficiency. Most players carry an Efficiency V + Fortune III pick and an Efficiency V + Silk Touch pick.
Bedrock Edition: Efficiency uses the same level² + 1 speed multiplier in Bedrock Edition.
The enchantment ID for Efficiency is minecraft:efficiency. Java Edition 1.13+ commands such as /enchant use this namespaced form. On Java 1.12.2 and earlier the numerical ID was 32.
Efficiency goes up to level V (level 5). Run /enchant @p minecraft:efficiency 5 while holding a valid item to apply the maximum level.
It multiplies your mining speed by 26 (level² + 1). On the right tool for the block, common materials like stone and netherrack break almost instantly.
Only when the tool is effective on that block. An Efficiency pickaxe speeds up stone and ores but does nothing special for dirt or wood — use a matching Efficiency shovel or axe.
Combine two Efficiency IV items or books on an anvil. Librarian villagers are the most reliable source of the IV books.
They do different jobs and stack. Efficiency mines faster, Fortune increases ore drops. A proper mining pickaxe has both, plus Unbreaking III and Mending.