Wow #1 · Smite per level
+2.5
Extra HP damage per Smite level vs listed undead.
Wow #2 · Java Sharpness V
+3.0
Extra HP from the Java formula 0.5×level+0.5 at level V.
Wiki damage rules for Smite vs Sharpness, side by side. Not a full combat guide, and not Bedrock Sharpness step-by-step (those steps differ).
One enchant cannot do both jobs. Pick the fight you fight most, or keep two swords.
1. Extra damage by level
| Level | Smite vs undead | Sharpness (JE) |
|---|---|---|
| I | +2.5 | +1.0 |
| II | +5.0 | +1.5 |
| III | +7.5 | +2.0 |
| IV | +10.0 | +2.5 |
| V | +12.5 | +3.0 |
Smite: +2.5 HP per level on the undead list (wiki Usage). Sharpness JE: 0.5 × level + 0.5. Bedrock Sharpness steps differ. Check your edition tooltip.
Extra HP by enchant level
Wiki damage formula — illustrative compare of Smite vs Sharpness on undead vs everything else.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 2.5 |
| II | 5 |
| III | 7.5 |
| IV | 10 |
| V | 12.5 |
2. When Smite wins the fight
Against a zombie or skeleton, Smite V’s +12.5 dwarfs Sharpness V’s +3.0 (Java).
Against a creeper, spider, or player, Smite’s bonus does not apply. Sharpness still adds its general bonus.
3. Two swords, two jobs
Many grind players keep a Smite sword for undead farms and a Sharpness main for everything else.
That is two hotbar slots. Not a “wrong enchant.” A role split.
Undead farms: Smite. Mixed fights: Sharpness. You cannot stack both on one sword.
Damage numbers follow the public wiki formulas for the listed edition rules. Bedrock Sharpness steps differ. Check your edition tooltip. Pin answers to your version.
Sources
- Minecraft Wiki. Smite, Sharpness.
- Enchantments FAQ.
- When do extra enchanting bookshelves stop helping?.
Quick answers
How I calculated it
Parsed Minecraft Wiki Smite (Usage + incompat list) and Sharpness (JE formula + incompat). What I added: side-by-side damage arithmetic table and the two-hotbar role split for players. Numbers locked August 2026.
