In this article, we analyze the efficiency of high gradient magnetic separator (HGMS) designs in terms of efficient use of magnetic energy. Combining analytical analysis and Boundary Element Analysis software, we evaluate the characteristics of quadrupole design, specifically, the magnetic field limits, the energy and gradient distribution, and the design efficiency. To increase the design efficiency, we present a high gradient magnetic separator (HGMS) design with partial soft magnetic steel pole pieces. The use of nearly saturated soft magnetic pole pieces increases the magnetic field in the region of interest. And the use of pole pieces also increases the efficiency of the design. Magnetic separators with and without pole piece are built to evaluate the effectiveness of the pole piece.