Use this precise calculator to determine the probability of successfully catching a wild Pokémon in a single attempt, based on its current HP, base catch rate, the type of Poké Ball used, and any applied status conditions.
Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator
Catch Probability:
—Pokémon Catch Rate Formula
The probability of catching a Pokémon is determined by a two-step process: first, calculating a Catch Value (A), and then using that value to determine the success rate over four ‘shake checks’. The formula below reflects the Gen 5+ mechanics (where A is capped at 255):
$$ A = \text{floor}\left[ \frac{(3 \times HP_{max} – 2 \times HP_{current}) \times C \times M_b \times M_s}{3 \times HP_{max}} \right] $$ (Capped at a maximum value of 255)
Step 2: Catch Probability (P)
$$ P = 1 – \left( \frac{255 – A}{256} \right)^4 $$ Formula Sources: Bulbapedia – Catch Rate Formula, Serebii – Catch Rate Guide
Variables Used in the Calculator
The calculation requires specific game values:
- Max HP ($HP_{max}$): The Pokémon’s maximum health value.
- Current HP ($HP_{current}$): The Pokémon’s health at the moment the Poké Ball is thrown. Lower HP significantly increases the catch rate.
- Base Catch Rate ($C$): A fixed value assigned to each Pokémon species, ranging from 3 (Legendary) to 255 (common early-game Pokémon).
- Poké Ball Multiplier ($M_b$): The specific multiplier applied by the type of Poké Ball used (e.g., Ultra Ball is 2.0x).
- Status Condition Multiplier ($M_s$): A multiplier applied if the Pokémon is afflicted by a status condition (e.g., Sleep or Freeze provides a 2.0x boost).
What is Pokémon Catch Rate?
The Catch Rate, often referred to as the Catch Chance or Catch Probability, is the mathematical likelihood of a wild Pokémon being successfully captured when a Poké Ball is thrown. It is one of the most complex formulas in the game, designed to make capturing powerful or rare Pokémon a significant challenge.
Unlike simple percentage chances, the catch rate calculation is not linear. It first determines an intermediate “Catch Value” (A) which is an integer between 0 and 255. This value is then used in a series of four independent “shake checks.” The Poké Ball must pass all four checks to register a successful catch. This multi-step check is why even a high Catch Value doesn’t guarantee a 100% chance (unless A=255).
Optimizing the catch rate involves reducing the Pokémon’s HP to its minimum (ideally 1) and applying a status condition, with Sleep and Freeze being the most effective multipliers.
How to Calculate Catch Rate (Example)
Let’s calculate the catch rate for a Charizard (Base Catch Rate $C=45$) using an Ultra Ball ($M_b=2.0$) at 1 Max HP ($HP_{max}=150$, $HP_{current}=1$) with no status condition ($M_s=1.0$).
- Determine the Catch Value (A): $$ A = \text{floor}\left[ \frac{(3 \times 150 – 2 \times 1) \times 45 \times 2.0 \times 1.0}{3 \times 150} \right] $$ $$ A = \text{floor}\left[ \frac{448 \times 90}{450} \right] = \text{floor}(89.6) = 89 $$
- Calculate the Probability of Success (P): $$ P = 1 – \left( \frac{255 – 89}{256} \right)^4 $$ $$ P = 1 – \left( \frac{166}{256} \right)^4 \approx 1 – 0.1764 \approx 0.8236 $$
- Final Result: The catch probability is approximately **82.36%**.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Catch Value (A) only determines the chance of passing a single “shake check.” The Poké Ball must pass four consecutive checks. If A is less than 255, there is always a small chance (albeit very low if A > 200) that one of the four checks will fail, resulting in the Pokémon escaping.
Q: What is the most effective status condition for boosting the catch rate?Sleep and Freeze provide the highest status multiplier ($M_s=2.0$). Burn, Poison, and Paralysis provide a lower multiplier ($M_s=1.5$). Using a move like Spore (100% Sleep) is typically the most effective non-ball strategy.
Q: Does the Pokémon’s level affect the catch rate?The Pokémon’s level does not directly appear in the core catch rate formula. However, level influences the Max HP, which is a critical factor in the formula.
Q: What is a Critical Capture, and how does it change the formula?A Critical Capture is a random event (higher probability with a full Pokédex). It bypasses the multi-shake check and only requires one successful check with an adjusted formula, making the catch probability significantly higher when it occurs.