This calculator provides an estimated range of damage dealt by a move in the core Pokémon games. Calculating damage accurately requires many variables, but this tool simplifies the process for quick and effective battle planning.
Pokémon Damage Calculator
Note: Damage is randomized within a range.
Pokémon Damage Formula
The damage formula in Pokémon is complex, incorporating a base multiplier, the ratio of the attacking and defending stats, the move’s power, and various modifiers.
Where $M$ is the Modifier: $$ M = \text{Random} \times \text{STAB} \times \text{TypeEff} \times \text{Crit} \times \text{Other} $$
Formula Source: Bulbapedia – Damage | Smogon – Damage Calculation
Variables Explanation
- Attacker’s Level (L): The level of the attacking Pokémon (1-100).
- Move Base Power (P): The inherent power of the move used (e.g., 40, 80, 150).
- Attacker’s Relevant Stat (A): The Attack or Special Attack stat, depending on the move’s category.
- Defender’s Relevant Stat (D): The Defense or Special Defense stat, depending on the move’s category.
- STAB Multiplier: 1.5x if the move’s type matches the attacker’s type, 1.0x otherwise.
- Type Effectiveness Multiplier (T): 0x, 0.25x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, or 4x based on the types involved.
- Critical Hit Multiplier (C): 1.5x for a critical hit, 1.0x otherwise.
What is Pokémon Damage Calculation?
Pokémon damage calculation is the core mechanic that determines how much HP a Pokémon loses when hit by an attack. It’s essential for competitive players and team builders to understand this formula to accurately predict knock-out potential and survivability. The calculation ensures that powerful Pokémon at higher levels, with high attack stats, using strong, type-effective moves, deal significantly more damage.
The damage output is not a single fixed number but rather a range, due to a random number multiplier that typically ranges from 0.85 to 1.00. This element of chance adds a layer of unpredictability to battles, forcing players to account for both minimum and maximum possible damage rolls.
How to Calculate Pokémon Damage (Example)
- Determine the Base Damage: Calculate the main term: $ Base = \left( \frac{2 \times L}{5} + 2 \right) \times \frac{A}{D} \times P / 50 $
- Add Base Constant: Add 2 to the floor of the Base Damage term. $ BaseDmg = \text{floor}(\text{Base}) + 2 $
- Apply Modifiers: Multiply the Base Damage by the total Modifier (STAB $\times$ Type Effectiveness $\times$ Crit).
- Apply Random Number: Multiply the result by a random number between 0.85 and 1.00.
- Final Floor: Take the floor of the final result to get the actual damage dealt.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the damage calculation the same in every game?
While the core formula remains largely consistent across generations, minor factors like the Critical Hit multiplier and the presence of abilities or items can change between games, slightly altering the final result.
What is the “Random Number” factor?
The random number is a final multiplier, chosen uniformly between 0.85 and 1.00 (inclusive of 0.85, exclusive of 1.00 in some generations), applied after all other factors, creating the damage range.
Why is the calculation rounded down (floored)?
Pokémon damage calculation uses the floor function (rounding down) at several key steps. This ensures that fractional damage results are discarded, often benefiting the defender.
Does this calculator include weather and item effects?
This simplified calculator primarily covers the core stats and multipliers (STAB, Type). For competitive play, you would need to adjust the Attacker and Defender Stats (A and D) manually to account for items like Choice Band or status effects.