Pokemon Catch Rate Calculator

Catching Pokémon is one of the most exciting parts of the Pokémon series. Whether you’re aiming for a legendary, completing your Pokédex, or farming shinies, knowing your catch probability can make all the difference. Many factors affect the chance of catching a Pokémon: the ball type, the Pokémon’s remaining HP, and any applied status conditions.

Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator

Formula (Gen 3+):
X = (((3 × Max HP – 2 × Current HP) × Base Catch Rate × Ball × Status) ÷ (3 × Max HP))
Catch % ≈ min(100, floor((X/255) × 100))

A Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator is a tool designed to estimate the probability of successfully capturing a Pokémon. It uses the same mechanics coded into Pokémon games, factoring in:

  • The Pokémon’s base catch rate.
  • Remaining HP percentage.
  • Status effects (Sleep, Paralysis, Freeze, etc.).
  • The type of Poké Ball used.

This ensures players know their best chances before throwing valuable balls.

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Select Pokémon or Enter Catch Rate: Each species has a predefined catch rate (0–255).
  2. Enter HP Details: Input current HP and maximum HP to calculate remaining percentage.
  3. Choose Poké Ball Type: Poké Balls, Great Balls, Ultra Balls, or specialty balls (e.g., Timer Ball).
  4. Select Status Condition: Apply Sleep, Paralysis, Burn, Freeze, or None.
  5. Click Calculate: The tool shows the percentage chance of catching the Pokémon.

Pokémon Catch Rate Formula

The standard formula (from Pokémon mainline games) is:

Modified Catch Rate = (((3 × MaxHP – 2 × CurrentHP) × CatchRate × BallModifier) ÷ (3 × MaxHP)) × StatusModifier

  • MaxHP = Pokémon’s maximum HP.
  • CurrentHP = Pokémon’s current HP.
  • CatchRate = Base catch rate of the species.
  • BallModifier = Catch multiplier of the Poké Ball used.
  • StatusModifier = Multiplier for status conditions (e.g., Sleep/Freeze × 2, Paralysis/Poison/Burn × 1.5).

Final capture chance is derived from this value and varies slightly due to RNG (random number generation).

Example Calculations

Example 1: Regular Wild Pokémon

  • Base Catch Rate: 120
  • Pokémon HP: 20/100
  • Ball: Great Ball (×1.5)
  • Status: Paralysis (×1.5)

Modified Catch Rate = (((3×100 – 2×20) × 120 × 1.5) ÷ (3×100)) × 1.5
= ((300 – 40) × 120 × 1.5 ÷ 300) × 1.5
= (260 × 120 × 1.5 ÷ 300) × 1.5
= (46800 ÷ 300) × 1.5
= 156 × 1.5 = 234

This gives a very high capture probability (~92%).

Example 2: Legendary Pokémon

  • Base Catch Rate: 3
  • HP: 5/200
  • Ball: Ultra Ball (×2)
  • Status: Sleep (×2)

Modified Catch Rate = (((600 – 10) × 3 × 2) ÷ 600) × 2
= (590 × 6 ÷ 600) × 2
= (3540 ÷ 600) × 2
= 5.9 × 2 = 11.8

This gives a very low capture probability (~4%) per throw.

Example 3: Using a Timer Ball

  • Base Catch Rate: 45
  • HP: 10/150
  • Ball: Timer Ball after 10 turns (~×4)
  • Status: Freeze (×2)

Modified Catch Rate = (((450 – 20) × 45 × 4) ÷ 450) × 2
= (430 × 180 ÷ 450) × 2
= (77400 ÷ 450) × 2
= 172 × 2 = 344

This results in a catch chance close to 100%.

Benefits of Using the Catch Rate Calculator

  • Plan Smartly: Know when to use valuable Poké Balls.
  • Save Resources: Avoid wasting Ultra or Master Balls unnecessarily.
  • Understand Game Mechanics: Learn how status and HP affect catch odds.
  • Strategize Battles: Prepare status-inflicting moves for better odds.
  • Compare Scenarios: Test different Poké Balls, statuses, and HP levels.

Real-Life Applications

  • Shiny Hunting: Helps maximize odds while farming rare Pokémon.
  • Legendary Captures: Increases efficiency against hard-to-catch Pokémon.
  • Pokédex Completion: Makes catching common species faster and more efficient.
  • Competitive Prep: Helps plan team-building by securing key Pokémon.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Pokémon catch rate?
It’s a numerical value (0–255) that determines how difficult it is to catch a species.

2. Do different Poké Balls really matter?
Yes, each Poké Ball has a multiplier that changes the capture odds.

3. Does lowering HP increase catch rate?
Yes, the lower the HP, the higher the chance of success.

4. Do status effects help catching?
Yes, Sleep and Freeze double the odds, while Paralysis, Poison, and Burn increase them by 1.5×.

5. What’s the best strategy to catch legendaries?
Lower HP to 1, inflict Sleep/Freeze, and use Ultra or Timer Balls.

6. Does using False Swipe help?
Yes, it reduces HP to 1 without fainting the Pokémon.

7. Do Master Balls always work?
Yes, they guarantee a 100% catch rate.

8. What’s the base catch rate of most legendaries?
Usually very low, around 3.

9. Do critical captures affect this?
Yes, critical captures increase the chance drastically.

10. Is RNG always involved?
Yes, even high odds are subject to randomness.

11. Do special balls like Net Ball or Dusk Ball matter?
Yes, they have situational multipliers depending on type or time.

12. Does turn count affect catch rate?
Yes, Timer Balls become stronger the longer the battle goes on.

13. Does weather affect catch rate?
No, only HP, ball type, and status matter.

14. Can the calculator simulate shiny odds?
No, it only calculates catch rates, not shiny probabilities.

15. Does the calculator work for all Pokémon games?
Yes, it uses the standard mainline game formulas.

16. Can I use this for Go or Unite?
No, this is designed for main Pokémon RPG titles.

17. Do Quick Balls have unique effects?
Yes, they are most effective if used on the first turn.

18. Is there any way to increase catch rate permanently?
No, but you can use better strategies like False Swipe + Sleep.

19. Why do some Pokémon break out so often?
Because their base catch rate is very low, making them harder to catch.

20. Is this calculator free?
Yes, it’s free to use anytime.

Final Thoughts

The Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator is a must-have tool for trainers who want to maximize efficiency when catching Pokémon. By entering simple details like HP, ball type, and status, you can predict your odds and make smarter battle decisions. Whether you’re catching a common Rattata or a legendary Rayquaza, this tool ensures you’re always prepared with the best strategy.