Iron Shovel
A mid-tier shovel used to dig dirt, sand, gravel, clay and snow efficiently. It has 250 durability.
Stack Size
Stack Size1
Durability
Durability250
Category
CategoryTools
Version Added
Version AddedAlpha
Item ID
Item IDiron_shovel
Overview
Iron Shovel is a tool in the Tools category of Minecraft, obtained through crafting it, trading with villagers, and chest loot. It cannot be stacked, so each Iron Shovel occupies a full inventory slot on its own the way tools and other damageable items do. With a base durability of 250 uses, it can be repaired and enchanted to extend its working life before it breaks. This item was added to the game in the early Alpha development period.
In this database, Iron Shovel sits alongside 34 other Tools entries, each with its own page. Its 250-point durability sets how many actions it survives before breaking, and pairing it with Unbreaking multiplies that effective lifespan while Mending repairs it from collected experience. Iron is the dependable mid-game material, striking a practical balance between durability and performance that makes it the workhorse choice for most players. When enchanted, it can carry 6 different enchantments, including Efficiency, Fortune, Silk Touch, and Unbreaking, which together can dramatically change how it performs.
Crafting Recipe
Iron ShovelCrafting TableStation: Crafting Table
How to Obtain
- Crafting
- Trading
- Chest loot
Applicable Enchantments
Click an enchantment to view details on the Enchantments database.
Notes
Right-clicking a grass block turns it into a dirt path.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get Iron Shovel in Minecraft?
Iron Shovel is crafted at a Crafting Table using Iron Ingot and Stick. It can also be obtained through trading with villagers and chest loot.
What is Iron Shovel used for?
Iron Shovel is a tool used to harvest blocks faster and gather resources. A mid-tier shovel used to dig dirt, sand, gravel, clay and snow efficiently. It has 250 durability.
How many Iron Shovel can you stack?
Iron Shovel does not stack; each one takes up its own inventory slot, which is typical for damageable items like this.
Can Iron Shovel be enchanted?
Yes. Iron Shovel can be enchanted with Efficiency, Fortune, Silk Touch, Unbreaking, Mending, and Curse of Vanishing. Apply these at an enchanting table, with enchanted books on an anvil, or through villager trades.
How much durability does Iron Shovel have?
Iron Shovel has 250 points of durability, meaning it can be used about 250 times before breaking. Unbreaking and Mending can greatly extend or even sustain this durability.
When was Iron Shovel added to Minecraft?
Iron Shovel was added in the early Alpha development period and remains part of the Tools category in the current 1.21 release.