How to Make an Enchanting Table in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Craft an enchanting table from 1 book, 2 diamonds and 4 obsidian. Surround it with up to 15 bookshelves, each with one block of air between it and the table, to unlock level 30 enchantments. Each enchantment costs 1 to 3 lapis lazuli and the same number of levels.

What you need

1 book
2 diamonds
4 obsidian
Up to 15 bookshelves
Lapis lazuli for each enchantment

Step by step

Craft a book (paper and leather), mine 2 diamonds and get 4 obsidian. Mining obsidian needs a diamond or netherite pickaxe.
Craft the table: the book in the top center, a diamond on each side of an obsidian in the middle row, and 3 obsidian across the bottom row.
Place bookshelves around it. Leave one block of air, or a replaceable block, between each shelf and the table. Most other blocks in between, even a torch, stop the shelf from connecting.
Up to 15 bookshelves give access to level 30 enchantments.
Open the table, put in an item that is not already enchanted, and put in lapis lazuli. Three randomized options appear. You need at least the level shown, but you only pay the lapis count in levels (1 to 3) and lapis.
The level requirement influences the number, type and level of enchantments, with a large random factor. A level 30 option does not guarantee more than one enchantment.
Mine it with a pickaxe to get it back. Without a pickaxe it drops nothing. The ender dragon can still destroy it.

Java vs Bedrock

The enchanting interface differs between Java and Bedrock, but the recipe, the 15-bookshelf rule and the lapis cost are the same.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note above for differences.

Frequently asked questions

How many bookshelves do I need for level 30?

15, each with one block of air or a replaceable block between it and the table.

How much does an enchantment cost?

1 to 3 lapis lazuli and the same number of levels, but you need at least the level shown on the option.

Why are my bookshelves not working?

Most blocks between the shelf and the table, even a torch, stop the connection.

Can I enchant an item twice?

The table only enchants items that are not already enchanted.