Catch Rate Pokémon Calculator
An advanced tool to calculate capture probability in Pokémon games.
The species-specific catch rate (e.g., Pikachu is 190, Mewtwo is 3). Must be between 3 and 255.
The target Pokémon’s maximum HP.
The target Pokémon’s current HP. Using False Swipe sets this to 1.
The multiplier for the specific Poké Ball being used.
Status conditions significantly increase the catch rate.
Chart: Probability of passing each shake check.
What is a Catch Rate Pokémon Calculator?
A catch rate pokemon calculator is a specialized tool used by Pokémon trainers to determine the probability of successfully capturing a wild Pokémon. Unlike simple guesswork, this calculator uses the precise mathematical formula embedded in the Pokémon game code. By inputting variables such as the Pokémon’s species catch rate, its current health, the type of Poké Ball used, and any status conditions, a trainer can see the exact percentage chance of a successful capture. This allows for strategic decision-making in battle, helping conserve rare Poké Balls and increasing the odds of catching legendary or rare Pokémon. Using a catch rate pokemon calculator transforms a game of chance into a game of calculated strategy.
The Pokémon Catch Rate Formula (Gen III-VII)
The probability of catching a Pokémon is a multi-step process. First, a modified catch rate value, often called ‘a’, is calculated. This value incorporates all the key battle factors. This calculator uses the widely accepted formula from Pokémon Generations III through VII for broad compatibility.
The formula for ‘a’ is:
a = (((3 * MaxHP - 2 * CurrentHP) * BaseRate * BallBonus) / (3 * MaxHP)) * StatusBonus
Once ‘a’ is determined (and capped at 255), a second value ‘b’ is calculated to determine the probability of passing a “shake check.” The Poké Ball must pass four of these checks to secure the capture.
The formula for ‘b’ is:
b = 65536 / (255 / a)^0.1875
The final probability to catch the Pokémon is (b / 65536) ^ 4.
Formula Variables
| Variable | Meaning | Unit / Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| MaxHP | The Pokémon’s maximum Health Points. | Numeric | 10 – 700+ |
| CurrentHP | The Pokémon’s current Health Points. | Numeric | 1 – MaxHP |
| BaseRate | The species-specific base catch rate. | Numeric | 3 (Legendaries) – 255 (Common) |
| BallBonus | The multiplier of the Poké Ball used. | Multiplier (x) | 1x – 255x |
| StatusBonus | The multiplier for a status condition. | Multiplier (x) | 1x (None), 1.5x (Para/Psn/Brn), 2.5x (Slp/Frz) |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Catching a Healthy Pikachu
- Inputs: Pokémon: Pikachu (BaseRate: 190), MaxHP: 70, CurrentHP: 70, Ball: Poké Ball (1x), Status: None (1x)
- Analysis: A full-health Pikachu with a standard Poké Ball is a moderately difficult catch despite its high base rate. The catch rate pokemon calculator shows this clearly.
- Results: The final catch chance is approximately 24.8%.
Example 2: Catching a Weakened, Sleeping Snorlax
- Inputs: Pokémon: Snorlax (BaseRate: 25), MaxHP: 250, CurrentHP: 1 (after False Swipe), Ball: Ultra Ball (2x), Status: Asleep (2.5x)
- Analysis: This is the ideal scenario. The Pokémon is at its lowest possible health, has the strongest common status condition, and you’re using a powerful ball. This is the strategy every trainer should use for low-rate Pokémon.
- Results: The final catch chance is approximately 15.6%. This highlights how tough even a weakened legendary-tier (by catch rate) Pokémon can be!
How to Use This Catch Rate Pokémon Calculator
- Enter Base Catch Rate: Look up the target Pokémon’s species catch rate. Common Pokémon like Caterpie are 255, while most Legendaries are 3. Enter this in the first field.
- Input HP Values: Provide the Pokémon’s maximum HP and its current HP. For best results, get the HP into the red zone or down to 1 with a move like False Swipe.
- Select Your Poké Ball: Choose the ball you are using from the dropdown. The calculator automatically applies the correct multiplier, from a Poké Ball’s 1x to a Quick Ball’s 5x on the first turn.
- Add Status Condition: Select any status condition the Pokémon has. Note that Sleep and Freeze provide a massive 2.5x bonus, making them far superior for capturing.
- Interpret the Results: The calculator instantly provides the final percentage chance of a successful capture. It also shows intermediate values from the formula and a chart visualizing the four required shake checks. If you need to know more, you can check out this IV Calculator to understand your Pokémon’s potential.
Key Factors That Affect Catch Rate
- Base Catch Rate: This is the single most important factor. A Pokémon with a rate of 255 is vastly easier to catch than one with a rate of 3. This is inherent to the species and cannot be changed.
- Remaining HP: The lower the Pokémon’s health, the higher the chance of capture. The formula gives the biggest gains as you approach 1 HP, making the move False Swipe invaluable.
- Status Conditions: Applying a status is crucial. Sleep and Freeze are the best, providing a 2.5x bonus. Paralysis, Burn, and Poison provide a smaller but still significant 1.5x bonus. A catch rate pokemon calculator demonstrates this bonus very effectively.
- Poké Ball Type: The ball’s multiplier is applied directly to the rate. Using an Ultra Ball (2x) doubles the rate compared to a Poké Ball (1x). Specialized balls like the Dusk Ball (3.5x in caves/night) can be even better.
- Pokémon Level (in some games): While not in the core formula shown, some balls like the Nest Ball and Level Ball have multipliers that depend on the level difference between your Pokémon and the wild one. Our EV Training Guide can help you get stronger Pokémon.
- Other Modifiers: Newer games have introduced features like O-Powers, Roto Loto, and special meal effects that can further boost the catch rate. This calculator focuses on the core, universal mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the highest possible catch rate?
The highest base catch rate for any Pokémon is 255, shared by species like Caterpie, Weedle, Pidgey, and Rattata.
2. Does a Critical Capture use a different formula?
Yes, a Critical Capture is a random event that essentially skips most of the formula, guaranteeing a much higher chance of success. This calculator does not account for the chance of a Critical Capture occurring.
3. Why is Sleep better than Paralysis?
The game’s formula explicitly gives Sleep and Freeze a 2.5x bonus, while Paralysis, Burn, and Poison only get a 1.5x bonus. Always use Sleep or Freeze if possible. See how this impacts your chances with the catch rate pokemon calculator.
4. Is a Master Ball really 100%?
Yes. The Master Ball has a multiplier of 255x, which is so high that it guarantees the ‘a’ value in the formula will be 255 or greater, resulting in a guaranteed catch against any Pokémon (with very few exceptions in specific in-game-scripted events).
5. Why doesn’t False Swipe make the catch guaranteed?
While reducing HP to 1 provides the maximum possible bonus from HP, it does not make the catch rate infinite. For Pokémon with a very low base rate (like 3), even at 1 HP with a status, the final probability can still be very low. For tips on battling, see our Battle Tower Strategies guide.
6. Does this calculator work for Pokémon GO?
No. Pokémon GO uses a completely different, much simpler formula based on the target circle size, throw quality (Nice, Great, Excellent), curveballs, and berries. This calculator is for the core series games.
7. Where can I find a Pokémon’s Base Catch Rate?
Reputable online Pokémon databases like Bulbapedia, Serebii, or our own Pokédex list the catch rate for every species on their main data page.
8. Is there a maximum catch probability less than 100%?
Yes. If the calculated ‘a’ value is 255, the final chance per ball is approximately 43.9%. Due to the nature of the four shake checks, you can never have a 100% chance without a Master Ball, though the odds can get very close.