How to Build an Unstackable Item Sorter in Minecraft 26.x

Standard hopper sorters use the 41-1-1-1-1 formula, which only works for stackable items (up to 64 or 16). If an unstackable item like a Potions, Shulker Box, or Totem enters a standard hopper, it emits a Signal Strength of 3 and breaks the entire sorting line!

The Physics of Non-Stackable Hopper Signals

When an unstackable item (stack size = 1) enters a hopper, it fills 100% of that slot's capacity, instantly outputting Signal Strength 3 to a Redstone Comparator.

Building a 1-Tile Non-Stackable Filter

1. Place a Comparator reading from a top transfer hopper.
2. Run a 3-long redstone line into a Repeater set to 1 tick.
3. When a stackable item passes through (Signal 2), the redstone line does not reach the 3rd dust block.
4. When an unstackable item passes through (Signal 3), it powers the 3rd dust block, unhooking a piston below to divert the unstackable item into a separate chest!

Calculate your storage chest capacity with our Stack Calculator!