This calculator provides accurate probability assessments based on Generation VII (Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon) core game mechanics, widely used across modern titles.
Accurately determine the probability of capturing any Pokémon with the right combination of Poke Ball, status effects, and remaining HP. The Catch Rate Calculator uses the official game formula to give you the precise chance of success, helping you optimize your strategy for rare encounters.
Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator
Step-by-Step Calculation
Enter your variables and click ‘Calculate’ to see the detailed process.
Pokémon Catch Rate Formula
The calculation involves two main parts: determining the effective Catch Value (A) and calculating the overall probability from the shake checks.
Step 1: Calculate Catch Value (A)
A = floor( ( (3 * H - 2 * h) * C * B * S ) / (3 * H) )
Where: A is capped at 255. If A < 0, an error occurs.
Step 2: Calculate Shake Probability (P_s)
P_s = floor( 65536 / (255 / A)^(1/4) )
This $P_s$ value represents the probability of success for a single check, out of a maximum 65536.
Step 3: Calculate Final Catch Probability ($P_{catch}$)
P_catch = ( (P_s / 65536)^4 ) * 100%
Source: Bulbapedia – Catch Rate Mechanics, Serebii – Catch Rate Guide
Variables Explained
- Pokémon Max HP (H): The creature’s maximum hit points.
- Pokémon Current HP (h): The hit points remaining when the Poke Ball is thrown. Lower is better.
- Base Catch Rate (C): An inherent value for the species (3 to 255).
- Ball Modifier (B): The multiplier applied by the specific Poke Ball used (e.g., Great Ball = 2.0, Ultra Ball = 2.0, Dusk Ball at night = 3.5, Quick Ball on turn 1 = 5.0).
- Status Condition (S): The multiplier from an applied status effect (Sleep/Freeze = 2.0, others = 1.5).
Related Calculators
- EV Training Calculator
- Individual Values (IV) Rater
- Damage Calculation Tool
- Experience Share (EXP) Planner
What is the Pokémon Catch Rate?
The Pokémon Catch Rate is the mathematical probability that an attempt to capture a wild Pokémon will be successful. This rate is not a fixed percentage but is dynamically calculated based on several in-game variables, making strategy crucial for catching rare or legendary Pokémon.
The core mechanic involves converting the variable inputs (HP, Ball type, Status) into a single effective “Catch Value” (A), which is capped at 255. This value determines the difficulty of four subsequent random number checks, often referred to as “shakes.” All four checks must pass for the capture to be successful.
Understanding and manipulating the Catch Rate is fundamental to the game’s mechanics. Maximizing the Catch Value (A) typically involves lowering the target’s HP as much as possible (ideally to 1) and applying a high-multiplier status condition like Sleep or Freeze, which drastically improves the shake success chance.
How to Calculate Catch Rate (Example)
- Identify Variables: Assume a Legendary Pokémon with Base Catch Rate (C) of 3. Max HP (H) is 200, Current HP (h) is 1. We use an Ultra Ball (B = 2.0) and the Pokémon is Frozen (S = 2.0).
- Calculate Catch Value (A): $$A = \lfloor \frac{(3 \cdot 200 – 2 \cdot 1) \cdot 3 \cdot 2.0 \cdot 2.0}{3 \cdot 200} \rfloor = \lfloor \frac{598 \cdot 12}{600} \rfloor = \lfloor 11.96 \rfloor = 11$$
- Calculate Shake Probability ($P_s$): $$P_s = \lfloor \frac{65536}{\sqrt[4]{255 / 11}} \rfloor = \lfloor \frac{65536}{\sqrt[4]{23.18}} \rfloor = \lfloor \frac{65536}{2.19} \rfloor = 29880$$
- Calculate Final Probability: $$P_{catch} = (\frac{29880}{65536})^4 \cdot 100\% \approx 4.29\%$$
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best Poke Ball to use?
This depends on the situation. The Quick Ball is often the best choice for the very first turn (B=5.0). For late-game grinding, Ultra Balls (B=2.0) are standard. However, specific balls like the Net Ball (B=3.5 on Bug/Water types) or the Dusk Ball (B=3.5 at night/in a cave) can provide the highest situational multipliers.
Does a Critical Catch follow the same formula?
A Critical Catch uses a modified, simpler formula that significantly increases the probability of capture, bypassing some of the standard checks. It is essentially an instant-capture attempt that is more likely to occur than a standard catch check.
Is 1 HP always required for the best chance?
Yes. Since the HP component $(3H – 2h)$ is a linear factor in the numerator, minimizing Current HP ($h$) relative to Max HP ($H$) gives the highest possible Catch Value (A) from the HP variable.
What is the highest possible Base Catch Rate?
The highest possible Base Catch Rate is 255. Pokémon with this rate (like many common early-game creatures) are essentially guaranteed to be caught with a standard Poké Ball unless they are at extremely high HP.