Minecraft Beacon Calculator (Java)
A full beacon pyramid takes 164 blocks (9 + 25 + 49 + 81) of iron, gold, emerald, diamond or netherite, and gives effects up to 50 blocks away. Pick the levels to see blocks, range and effects.
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Blocks for the pyramid
164
Layers from the bottom: 81, 49, 25, 9 (iron, gold, emerald, diamond or netherite blocks, mixed as you like)
Effect range
50 blocks
Around the beacon, up to the top of the world
- Level 1: Speed or Haste
- Level 2: + Resistance or Jump Boost
- Level 3: + Strength
- Level 4: + Regeneration, or level II of your first effect
.
Beacon levels
| Levels | Blocks | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 20 blocks |
| 2 | 34 | 30 blocks |
| 3 | 83 | 40 blocks |
| 4 | 164 | 50 blocks |
How to use it
- Choose how many pyramid levels you'll build (1 to 4).
- Gather the blocks shown; you can mix mineral types.
- Build the layers from the bottom up and put the beacon on top with a clear view of the sky.
- Pay with an ingot, emerald or diamond and pick the effects.
How it works
Each pyramid level is a square layer, from 3×3 under the beacon down to 9×9 at the bottom. A beacon reaches 10 blocks plus 10 per level around it, from the bottom of the world to the top.
Questions
What blocks can a beacon pyramid use?
Blocks of iron, gold, emerald, diamond and netherite, in any mix. Netherite gives the same effects as iron.
Why isn't my beacon working?
The beacon needs a clear view of the sky (glass is fine) and every block of each layer must be a mineral block, with no gaps.
Do I need a full pyramid for Haste II?
Yes. Level II of an effect needs all 4 levels (164 blocks).
How far does a beacon reach up and down?
In Java, the effect reaches from the bottom to the top of the world within its range around the beacon.
Can two beacons share a pyramid?
Yes. Beacons placed next to each other on the same top layer each count the pyramid, so you can get more effects from one build.
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By PickaxeKit Editorial Team. Updated 2026-11-09.