What is the formula for Pokémon catch rates?

The standard formula for Gen III onwards is a = ⌊(3M - 2H) * C * B * S / 3M⌋, where M is Max HP, H is current HP, C is the species catch rate, B is the ball multiplier, and S is the status condition modifier.

Which status condition is best for catching Pokémon?

Sleep and Freeze are the most effective status conditions, providing a 2.5x multiplier in modern generations (Gen V+) and 2.0x in earlier games.

Catch Rate Calculator

Calculate precise Pokémon capture probabilities across all generations.

Quick-Pick Pokémon

Base Catch Rate (1–255)

MAX HP

CURRENT HP

Use False Swipe to reach 1 HP for best odds

Status Condition

Select Poké Ball

BATTLE CONDITIONS

Turn #

Environment

Type

Caught Before

Method

Wild Lvl

Pokédex Caught

Catch Probability per Throw

— %

Shakes before escape:

Optimal Ball Recommendation

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Throws for 50%

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Throws for 90%

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Throws for 99%

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Critical Capture

All Balls Ranked by Effectiveness

Poké Ball	Modifier	Catch Rate	Visual Odds	For 50%	For 90%

How to Use

Calculate your catch probabilities in three simple steps.

1. Input Battle Data

Enter the Pokémon's Base Catch Rate, current HP, and select your active status condition.

2. Select Your Ball

Pick your Poké Ball type and define turn/battle conditions to adjust the catch modifiers instantly.

3. View Catch Odds

Hit 'Calculate' to see your catch probability and get our recommended ball for the best results.

The Mathematics of a Master Catch

Capture rates in the Pokémon series are governed by complex internal algorithms that have evolved since the original Game Boy titles. While most trainers rely on luck, understanding the Base Capture Value (a) allows you to optimize your resources, ensuring you never waste a Master Ball on a capture that could have been achieved with a well-timed Dusk Ball.

Core Logic (Gen III–IX)

Verified via Bulbapedia's Capture Mechanics.

Our tool replicates this exact logic, incorporating generation-specific shifts like the 2.5× status multiplier introduced in Gen V for Sleep and Freeze, compared to the 2× multiplier used in earlier titles.

Key Success Modifiers

To maximize your odds, you must manipulate three primary variables before throwing your ball. These mechanics are verified community standards from Serebii.net:

The "False Swipe" Rule

Reducing a Pokémon to exactly 1 HP is the single most effective way to boost the internal 'a' value. Higher HP ratios drastically reduce the effectiveness of even the best Poké Balls.

Status Supremacy

Sleep and Freeze provide a massive boost (up to 2.5×). Paralysis, Burn, and Poison only provide a 1.5× boost, making them secondary choices for legendary encounters.

Environmental Advantage

Specific balls like the Dusk Ball (3× in caves/night) or Net Ball (3.5× for Water/Bug) often outperform Ultra Balls (2×) when conditions are met.

Trainer's Knowledge Base

What is a "Critical Capture"?

Introduced in Generation V, a Critical Capture is a rare event where the ball shakes only once. The probability increases based on how many unique species you have already caught in your Pokedex. Our calculator factors this in for Gen V through Gen IX.

Why do Legendary Pokemon have a catch rate of 3?

A catch rate of 3 is the lowest possible value in the game files. It signifies a "1.6% base chance" at full health with a standard Poke Ball. This is why using Status Conditions and specialized balls is mandatory for Pokemon like Mewtwo or Zacian.

Does the level of my Pokemon matter?

In most generations, your Pokemon's level does not affect the catch rate. However, in Pokemon Sword & Shield (Gen 8), you cannot catch Pokemon that are a significantly higher level than your active party leader unless you have the required Gym Badges.

Pro Tip on Accuracy: While this calculator provides exact mathematical odds, remember that capture events are determined by a Pseudo-Random Number Generator (PRNG). We recommend bringing at least 20% more balls than the "90% odds" stat suggests to account for statistical outliers.