In the world of Pokémon Go, catching a rare Pokémon is only the beginning. What truly determines its strength in battles, raids, and gyms are its IVs (Individual Values). These hidden stats decide how powerful your Pokémon can become when fully trained. To save time and resources, trainers use a Pokémon Go IV Calculator to determine whether a Pokémon is worth powering up or evolving.
What Are IVs in Pokémon Go?
IVs (Individual Values) are hidden numbers assigned to every Pokémon, ranging from 0 to 15 for each stat:
- Attack (0-15) → Influences damage dealt.
- Defense (0-15) → Determines damage resistance.
- Stamina (0-15) → Impacts HP (Health Points).
A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) is known as a 100% IV Pokémon or “hundo.” IVs combine with base stats and CP multipliers to decide your Pokémon’s overall strength.
Formula Behind IV Calculation
The Pokémon Go IV formula is:
CP = (Attack × √Defense × √Stamina × CP Multiplier²) / 10
Where:
- Attack = Base Attack + IV Attack
- Defense = Base Defense + IV Defense
- Stamina = Base Stamina + IV Stamina
- CP Multiplier depends on Pokémon’s level.
This formula shows how IVs influence your Pokémon’s CP and performance.
How to Use the Pokémon Go IV Calculator
Using the calculator is simple and requires only a few steps:
- Select Pokémon → Choose the Pokémon you want to analyze.
- Enter CP, HP, and Stardust cost → These values narrow down possible IV ranges.
- Check Appraisal System → Use in-game feedback (Great, Good, etc.) for accuracy.
- View Results → Get possible Attack, Defense, Stamina IVs and CP at max level.
- Decide Next Step → Use the results to decide if you should power up, evolve, or transfer the Pokémon.
Example of IV Calculation
Suppose you catch a Charmander with:
- CP = 500
- HP = 60
- Stardust cost = 2500
After entering these values into the IV calculator, you may get:
- Attack IV = 13
- Defense IV = 12
- Stamina IV = 14
- IV Percentage = 93%
This means the Charmander is nearly perfect and definitely worth powering up and evolving.
Why Use a Pokémon Go IV Calculator?
- Save Stardust and Candy → Avoid wasting resources on weak Pokémon.
- Build Strong Teams → Maximize performance in raids and PvP battles.
- Find Hundos → Identify 100% IV Pokémon for long-term investment.
- Competitive Advantage → Gain the edge in GO Battle League.
Additional Insights
- IVs matter most for PvP battles, as even a small stat difference can turn the tide.
- Some Pokémon are still useful with average IVs due to powerful movesets.
- For collectors, hundos and shiny Pokémon with high IVs are the ultimate goal.
- Pokémon caught from raids, eggs, and research tasks tend to have higher minimum IVs (10/10/10 or better).
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does a Pokémon Go IV Calculator do?
It estimates hidden stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina) to show your Pokémon’s true potential.
2. How accurate are IV calculators?
They are highly accurate when CP, HP, Stardust, and appraisal values are entered correctly.
3. What is a 100% IV Pokémon?
A Pokémon with perfect stats (15 Attack, 15 Defense, 15 Stamina).
4. Do IVs affect moves?
No, IVs only affect base stats. Moves depend on Pokémon species and TM usage.
5. Can IVs change when evolving?
No, IVs stay the same after evolution.
6. Can IVs improve over time?
No, IVs are fixed when the Pokémon is caught or hatched.
7. Do IVs matter more than CP?
Yes, IVs show long-term potential, while CP is just a current power indicator.
8. Is a 0% IV Pokémon bad?
Not always; some 0% Pokémon are valuable collectibles.
9. Do Lucky Pokémon have higher IVs?
Yes, they have a minimum of 12/12/12 IVs.
10. How do I check IVs in-game?
Use the Appraisal System from your Pokémon’s menu.
11. Does trading affect IVs?
Yes, IVs are re-rolled during trades and may improve.
12. Do Raid Pokémon have better IVs?
Yes, raid Pokémon usually have IV floors of 10/10/10.
13. Does weather affect IVs?
No, weather affects CP and move strength but not IVs.
14. Do Shiny Pokémon have higher IVs?
No, shinies don’t guarantee better IVs.
15. Is IV more important in raids or PvP?
Both, but in PvP the right IV spread can be game-changing.
16. Can you catch wild Pokémon with 100% IVs?
Yes, but it’s rare. The odds are about 1 in 4,096.
17. Do Pokémon from eggs have higher IVs?
Yes, eggs guarantee at least 10/10/10 IVs.
18. Should I always power up 100% IV Pokémon?
Yes, but only if the Pokémon is useful in battles.
19. What is the difference between IV % and CP?
IV % measures long-term potential, while CP shows current strength.
20. Do IVs affect Mega Evolutions?
Yes, higher IV Pokémon make stronger Mega Evolutions.
Conclusion
A Pokémon Go IV Calculator is an essential tool for every trainer who wants to maximize their Pokémon’s potential. By identifying strong Pokémon early, you can save valuable resources, build competitive teams, and increase your chances of success in raids, gyms, and PvP battles. Whether you’re hunting for a perfect hundo, planning your next evolution, or just curious about your catch, this calculator helps you make the smartest choices in Pokémon Go.