How the pyramid calculator works
Enter the width of the square base in blocks. Each layer is smaller than the one below by your chosen step on every side. The classic step of 1 block makes a 45° staircase pyramid; a step of 2 or 3 gives a steep, terraced look like a Mesoamerican temple. The table lists every layer so you can build and tick them off.
Solid vs hollow pyramids
A solid pyramid uses a lot of blocks: a 21-block base already needs 1,771, and a 41-block base needs 12,341. Ticking Hollow counts a solid floor plus only the outer walls of each layer, which is usually all you need if you are building a room or treasure chamber inside.
The formula
With a step of 1, a solid pyramid with an odd base n contains 1² + 3² + 5² + … + n² blocks. The calculator adds every layer for you, so it works for any base and step.
Frequently asked questions
How many blocks are in a Minecraft pyramid?
A solid pyramid with a step of 1 and an odd base n contains 1² + 3² + … + n² blocks. For a 21-block base (layers of 21, 19, 17 … 1) that is 1,771 blocks. The calculator shows the exact total for any base, step and hollow setting.
How tall will my pyramid be?
With a 1-block step, the height is half of the base, rounded up. A 21-block base makes an 11-layer pyramid.
How do I make a hollow pyramid?
Tick 'Hollow'. The calculator counts a solid floor and only the outer walls of each layer, which saves a large number of blocks.