Comparison
Netherite Shovel vs Diamond Shovel
Minecraft 1.21.8. Java Edition values.
Verdict
Same +1 attack damage and +470 durability advantage as the other Netherite tools, plus lava-survival. For pure dirt/gravel/sand work the speed gain barely matters — diamond is already 8× hand speed. The real reason to upgrade is bulk excavation projects where Unbreaking III + Netherite means the shovel never breaks.
Side-by-side stats
Highlighted cell wins that row.
| Stat | Netherite Shovel | Diamond Shovel |
|---|---|---|
| Attack damage | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| Attack speed | 1/s | 1/s |
| DPS | 6.5 | 5.5 |
| Durability | 2,031 | 1,561 |
| Mining speed multiplier | 9× | 8× |
| Enchantability | 15 | 10 |
| Mining tier | Netherite | Diamond |
| Survives lava (as dropped item) | Yes | No |
| Crafted from | Netherite Ingot | Diamond |
When to pick each
Pick Netherite when…
You're terraforming large areas or using the shovel as a combat backup (5.5 → 6.5 attack damage). The fire-immune drop is incidental but welcome.
Pick Diamond when…
Casual excavating. Most players never wear out a Diamond Shovel with Unbreaking III. Save netherite scrap for armor and a sword.
Get these tools
Netherite Shovel
Diamond Shovel
Other tool comparisons
- Netherite Sword vs Diamond Sword
- Netherite Pickaxe vs Diamond Pickaxe
- Netherite Axe vs Diamond Axe
- Diamond Pickaxe vs Iron Pickaxe
- Golden Pickaxe vs Diamond Pickaxe
- Iron Pickaxe vs Stone Pickaxe
- Diamond Sword vs Iron Sword
- Diamond Axe vs Iron Axe
- Iron Sword vs Stone Sword
- Diamond Sword vs Golden Sword
- Netherite Sword vs Netherite Axe
- Diamond Sword vs Diamond Axe
- Iron Axe vs Stone Axe
- Stone Pickaxe vs Wooden Pickaxe
FAQ
- Should I pick Netherite Shovel over Diamond Shovel?
- Same +1 attack damage and +470 durability advantage as the other Netherite tools, plus lava-survival. For pure dirt/gravel/sand work the speed gain barely matters — diamond is already 8× hand speed. The real reason to upgrade is bulk excavation projects where Unbreaking III + Netherite means the shovel never breaks.
- How much damage does a Netherite Shovel do?
- 6.5 attack damage with 1.0 attacks per second — 6.5 DPS at full charge. That's 1 more than a Diamond Shovel (5.5 damage).
- What's the durability of a Netherite Shovel?
- 2,031 uses before it breaks. That's 470 more than a Diamond Shovel (1,561 uses). Unbreaking III roughly multiplies durability by 4.
- Is upgrading to Netherite Shovel worth it?
- You're terraforming large areas or using the shovel as a combat backup (5.5 → 6.5 attack damage). The fire-immune drop is incidental but welcome. If those don't apply, casual excavating. most players never wear out a diamond shovel with unbreaking iii. save netherite scrap for armor and a sword.