In Pokémon battles, knowing type effectiveness can mean the difference between victory and defeat. The Pokémon Type Matchup Calculator is a tool designed to help trainers quickly figure out how effective an attack will be against one or two defending Pokémon types. Whether you’re playing competitively, preparing for a Gym battle, or strategizing for the Pokémon League, this calculator gives you instant, accurate results so you can make smarter choices in battle.
Pokemon Type Matchup Calculator
What Is the Pokémon Type Matchup Calculator?
The Pokémon Type Matchup Calculator is a web-based tool that determines how much damage a move of a specific type will do against an opponent’s Pokémon type(s). It’s based on the official Pokémon type chart, which defines multipliers such as:
- Super Effective (2×) – Your move deals double damage.
- Not Very Effective (0.5×) – Your move deals half damage.
- No Effect (0×) – The move doesn’t affect the opponent at all.
- Stacked Multipliers – When attacking dual-type Pokémon, multipliers can stack (e.g., 4× or 0.25×).
This means you can use it to identify weaknesses and resistances instantly, without having to memorize the entire type chart.
How to Use the Pokémon Type Matchup Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Select the Attacking Type
Choose the type of move your Pokémon is using (e.g., Fire, Electric, Water). - Choose the First Defending Type
Select the target’s primary type (e.g., Grass, Rock, Steel). - Choose the Second Defending Type (Optional)
If the Pokémon has a secondary type, select it here. If it’s a single-type Pokémon, leave it as “None.” - Click “Calculate”
The calculator will display:- The damage multiplier (e.g., 0.5×, 2×, 4×)
- A description of the effectiveness (e.g., Super Effective, Not Very Effective)
- Review the Result
Use the information to adjust your battle strategy in real-time. - Click “Reset” if you want to calculate another matchup.
Example: Beating a Dual-Type Pokémon
Let’s say your opponent sends out Garchomp, a Dragon/Ground type.
- Select Ice as your attacking type.
- Set Defending Type 1 to Dragon.
- Set Defending Type 2 to Ground.
- Click Calculate.
Result: 4× – Extremely effective.
Ice-type moves hit both Dragon and Ground super effectively (2× each), stacking for massive damage. This means a strong Ice Beam or Blizzard could potentially knock out Garchomp in one hit.
Why This Tool Is Essential for Pokémon Trainers
- Faster than memorizing the chart – Get instant results without guessing.
- Helps avoid wasted moves – Never use a move with no effect again.
- Optimizes team building – Plan coverage for weaknesses in your lineup.
- Boosts competitive play – Every turn counts in battles against skilled opponents.
Practical Use Cases
- Preparing for Gym Leaders – Identify their weaknesses and train Pokémon with the right moves.
- Team Planning – Ensure you have coverage against every type combination.
- Competitive Battles – Predict opponents’ moves and switch to resistant Pokémon.
- Raid Battles in Pokémon GO – Adapt the concept for raid boss weaknesses.
- Nuzlocke Challenges – Minimize risky battles by knowing exact matchups.
Extra Helpful Tips for Using Type Matchups
- Remember Immunities: Some types have 0× multipliers (e.g., Normal vs. Ghost, Electric vs. Ground).
- Think About STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus): If your Pokémon’s type matches its move, damage is boosted by 1.5× before type effectiveness.
- Dual-Type Complexities: Always consider both types—sometimes resistances and weaknesses cancel each other out.
- Prediction Matters: In competitive battles, predicting switches can give you the upper hand when using this tool.
FAQs – Pokémon Type Matchup Calculator
1. What is a type matchup in Pokémon?
A type matchup refers to how effective a move’s type is against an opponent’s Pokémon type(s), affecting damage dealt.
2. How accurate is this calculator?
It’s based on the official Pokémon type chart used in main-series games, so results are accurate for standard gameplay.
3. Does this work for dual-type Pokémon?
Yes, it calculates stacked multipliers for Pokémon with two types.
4. Can a move deal 4× damage?
Yes. If both defending types are weak to the attacking type, the 2× multipliers stack into a 4× multiplier.
5. Can a move deal 0.25× damage?
Yes. If both defending types resist the attack, the 0.5× multipliers stack into 0.25×.
6. What does 0× mean?
It means the move has no effect, regardless of damage or stats.
7. Is this calculator useful in Pokémon GO?
Yes, but damage multipliers in Pokémon GO differ slightly. Still, it’s a good reference for type strengths and weaknesses.
8. Can I use this tool offline?
It’s web-based, so you need internet access to load the page, but once loaded it can work without a server connection.
9. Does this consider abilities like Levitate?
No, it’s based solely on type matchups, not abilities, weather, or items.
10. What is STAB?
Same-Type Attack Bonus increases a move’s damage by 1.5× if the Pokémon’s type matches the move’s type.
11. Will this work for moves with multiple types?
Currently, the tool supports single-type moves only.
12. Does the tool factor in critical hits?
No, it only calculates type effectiveness, not random battle effects.
13. Can I calculate for custom types?
Not in this version, but future updates could include custom charts.
14. Are all 18 types included?
Yes, the calculator covers Normal, Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel, and Fairy.
15. Does the order of defender types matter?
No, the result will be the same regardless of order.
16. Is this useful for casual players?
Absolutely—knowing matchups helps in both casual and competitive battles.
17. How often should I use the calculator?
Whenever you’re unsure about type effectiveness, especially for unfamiliar matchups.
18. Can I use it during live battles?
Yes, it’s quick enough to check effectiveness mid-battle without slowing down gameplay.
19. Why do some matchups show 1×?
That means the attack is normally effective with no bonus or penalty.
20. Can this help me choose movesets?
Yes, you can test various move types against potential opponents to pick the best coverage.