This Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator is a tool designed to help trainers estimate the probability of successfully catching a Pokémon in the core series games.

This calculator takes into account various factors that influence the capture process, such as the Pokémon’s base catch rate, its current HP, any status conditions, and the type of Poké Ball used.

By inputting these parameters, trainers can get a numerical representation of their chances to catch a specific Pokémon, allowing them to make informed decisions during battles and encounters.

Pokémon Catch Rate Calculator

Let’s calculate for different scenarios using the capture rate calculator:

Pokémon	Max HP	Current HP	Base Catch Rate	Poké Ball	Status	Calculated Catch Rate
Pikachu	35	35	190	Poké Ball (1x)	None (1x)	190/255 = 74.5%
Pikachu	35	17	190	Poké Ball (1x)	None (1x)	228/255 = 89.4%
Pikachu	35	17	190	Great Ball (1.5x)	None (1x)	342/255 = 100%*
Charizard	78	78	45	Ultra Ball (2x)	None (1x)	90/255 = 35.3%
Charizard	78	20	45	Ultra Ball (2x)	Paralyzed (1.5x)	243/255 = 95.3%
Mewtwo	106	106	3	Ultra Ball (2x)	None (1x)	6/255 = 2.4%
Mewtwo	106	10	3	Master Ball (255x)	Asleep (2x)	1530/255 = 100%*
Caterpie	45	45	255	Poké Ball (1x)	None (1x)	255/255 = 100%

Some observations from these calculations:

1. Pikachu: With full HP, it’s fairly easy to catch. Lowering its HP significantly increases the catch rate. Using a Great Ball almost guarantees capture when its HP is low.
2. Charizard: As a fully evolved Pokémon, it’s much harder to catch. Even with an Ultra Ball, the catch rate at full HP is low. However, combining low HP with paralysis and an Ultra Ball makes it very likely to catch.
3. Mewtwo: Being a legendary Pokémon, it’s extremely difficult to catch. At full HP, even an Ultra Ball has a tiny chance of success. However, the Master Ball guarantees capture regardless of other factors.
4. Caterpie: With the highest possible base catch rate, it’s guaranteed to be caught with any ball at any HP.

Lowering HP, using better Poké Balls, and inflicting status conditions all contribute to increasing the likelihood of a successful capture.

For these calculations, we’ll use a simplified version of the formula:

Catch Rate = (3M - 2H) * G * C * B / (3M)

Where:

• M: Max HP
• H: Current HP
• G: Base catch rate
• C: Ball bonus
• B: Status bonus

Pokémon Catch Rate Calculation Formula

The catch rate formula has evolved over different generations of Pokémon games, but the core principle remains similar.

Here’s a simplified version of the formula used in recent generations:

Catch Rate = (3M - 2H) * G * C * B / (3M)

Where:

• M: The Pokémon’s max HP
• H: The Pokémon’s current HP
• G: Catch rate modifier (based on the Pokémon’s base catch rate)
• C: Ball bonus (multiplier based on the type of Poké Ball used)
• B: Status bonus (multiplier if the Pokémon has a status condition)

This formula generates a number between 0 and 255. The game then performs several checks using this number to determine if the catch is successful.

It’s important to note that even with a high catch rate, success is not guaranteed due to the random nature of the final checks.

What is Pokémon Catch Rate?

Pokémon Catch Rate, also known as base catch rate or capture rate, is a fundamental statistic assigned to each Pokémon species.

It represents the inherent difficulty of capturing that Pokémon. The catch rate is a value typically ranging from 0 to 255, where:

• 255 represents the easiest Pokémon to catch (like common early-route Pokémon)
• 3 represents some of the most difficult Pokémon to catch (usually reserved for legendary Pokémon)

For example:

• Caterpie has a base catch rate of 255
• Pikachu has a base catch rate of 190
• Charizard has a base catch rate of 45
• Mewtwo has a base catch rate of 3

The base catch rate is used as a starting point in the catch rate formula.

It’s then modified by various factors during an encounter to determine the final probability of a successful capture.

Factors that influence the effective catch rate include:

1. Pokémon’s current HP: Lower HP increases the catch rate
2. Status conditions: Sleep and freeze provide the highest bonus, followed by paralysis, burn, and poison
3. Poké Ball type: Different balls provide different multipliers (e.g., Ultra Ball has a higher multiplier than a standard Poké Ball)
4. Catch charm: An item introduced in later generations that slightly increases catch rates

Pokémon Go Catch Rate

While the core series games use the formula mentioned earlier, Pokémon Go employs a different system for determining catch rates.

In Pokémon Go, the catch mechanic is more interactive and based on a combination of factors:

1. Base Catch Rate (BCR): Similar to the main series, each Pokémon has a base catch rate.
2. Circle Size: The colored circle that appears when attempting to catch a Pokémon affects the catch rate.
3. Throw Bonus: The quality of the throw (Nice, Great, Excellent) provides a catch rate bonus.
4. Curve Ball: Spinning the ball before throwing adds another multiplier.
5. Medal Bonus: As players catch more Pokémon of a specific type, they earn medals that increase catch rates for that type.
6. Berry Effects: Various berries can be used to modify catch rates.

The formula for Pokémon Go’s catch rate is more complex and takes into account these additional factors.

The game calculates a Catch Probability based on these elements, which determines the likelihood of a successful capture.

Pokémon Capture Gens

The Pokémon capture system has evolved over the various generations of games, with each introducing new mechanics or refining existing ones.

Here’s a brief overview of the key changes in each generation:

1. Gen 1 (Red, Blue, Yellow):
   • Introduced the basic catch rate system
   • Critical captures did not exist
   • No held items or abilities affected catch rates
2. Gen 2 (Gold, Silver, Crystal):
   • Introduced new Poké Ball types (e.g., Heavy Ball, Love Ball)
   • Added the ability to catch Pokémon at night
3. Gen 3 (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald):
   • Introduced Natures, which don’t affect catch rates but add complexity to Pokémon traits
   • Added more new Poké Ball types
4. Gen 4 (Diamond, Pearl, Platinum):
   • Introduced the Poké Ball Seal system for visual effects
   • Added the Dusk Ball for improved cave and nighttime captures
5. Gen 5 (Black, White, Black 2, White 2):
   • Introduced critical captures, giving a small chance for instant captures
   • Added new Poké Ball types like the Quick Ball
6. Gen 6 (X, Y):
   • Introduced Horde Encounters, allowing multiple Pokémon to be caught in one battle
   • Added the Catch Charm item to slightly increase catch rates
7. Gen 7 (Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon):
   • Introduced SOS Battles, where wild Pokémon can call for help
   • Added new Beast Balls for catching Ultra Beasts
8. Gen 8 (Sword, Shield):
   • Introduced Dynamax Pokémon with special catch mechanics
   • Added the ability to see some Pokémon in the overworld before encountering them

Each generation has built upon the previous ones, refining the capture system to create a more diverse and strategic experience for players.

The evolution of the catch mechanics reflects the overall growth of the Pokémon franchise, continuously adding depth and complexity to keep trainers engaged across multiple generations of games.