Pokemon Go Catch Rate Calculator

Calculate the probability of catching any Pokémon in Pokémon Go based on various in-game factors like ball type, berries, throw accuracy, and medals. Maximize your catch success!

Calculate Your Pokémon Go Catch Probability

Common Pokémon Base Catch Rates (Examples)

Approximate Base Catch Rates for various Pokémon

Pokémon Category	Typical BCR	Examples
Common (e.g., Pidgey, Rattata)	0.40	Pidgey, Rattata, Weedle
Uncommon (e.g., Eevee, Pikachu)	0.20	Eevee, Pikachu, Squirtle
Rare (e.g., Dratini, Snorlax)	0.10	Dratini, Snorlax, Lapras
Legendary/Mythical (Raid Bosses)	0.02 – 0.05	Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Kyogre
Starter Pokémon	0.20	Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle

Note: Actual Base Catch Rates can vary slightly and are subject to game updates. These are general guidelines.

What is the Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator?

The Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator is an essential tool for trainers looking to optimize their Pokémon catching strategy. In Pokémon Go, the success of catching a wild Pokémon isn’t just about throwing a Poké Ball; it involves a complex interplay of various in-game mechanics. This calculator helps you understand and quantify the probability of successfully capturing a Pokémon based on the choices you make during an encounter.

It takes into account factors like the Pokémon’s inherent difficulty to catch (its Base Catch Rate), the type of Poké Ball used, the effect of berries, the accuracy and style of your throw, and your trainer’s type medals. By inputting these variables, the calculator provides a clear percentage chance of catching the Pokémon on a single throw, as well as cumulative probabilities over multiple throws.

Who Should Use the Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator?

• Competitive Trainers: Those aiming to maximize their Stardust and Candy gains by efficiently catching Pokémon.
• Raid Enthusiasts: Players who want to ensure they catch rare Legendary or Mythical Pokémon after a challenging raid battle.
• Shiny Hunters: To understand the best approach for securing those elusive shiny forms.
• New Players: To learn the mechanics of catching and develop effective strategies from the start.
• Resource Managers: To decide if using a Golden Razz Berry or an Ultra Ball is truly worth it for a specific Pokémon.

Common Misconceptions About Pokémon Go Catch Rates

Many trainers hold misconceptions about how catch rates work:

• “CP determines catch rate directly”: While higher CP Pokémon are generally harder to catch, it’s their hidden “Pokémon Level” that primarily influences difficulty, not just CP alone. Our calculator simplifies this by focusing on the Base Catch Rate and multipliers.
• “Throwing a curveball is just for XP”: Curveballs provide a significant 1.7x catch bonus, making them crucial for difficult catches, not just for the extra XP.
• “Berries stack”: Only one berry effect (Razz, Golden Razz, Silver Pinap) can be active at a time. Using another will replace the previous one.
• “Catch rate is purely random”: While there’s an element of randomness, the underlying probability is determined by a precise formula influenced by your actions.

Pokémon Go Catch Rate Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The core of the Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator lies in understanding how various in-game bonuses multiply together to affect the Pokémon’s Base Catch Rate (BCR). The game’s internal mechanics are complex, involving a “capture coefficient” that determines the chance of breaking free. However, for practical purposes, we can calculate an “Effective Catch Rate” (ECR) or “Modified Catch Rate” (MCR) that represents the combined strength of all your bonuses.

The simplified formula used by this Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator is:

Modified Catch Rate (MCR) = Base Catch Rate (BCR) × Ball Bonus × Berry Bonus × Throw Bonus × Curveball Bonus × Medal Bonus

Once the MCR is calculated, the probability of catching the Pokémon on a single throw is simply the MCR itself, expressed as a percentage (capped at 100%). The cumulative probability of catching the Pokémon over multiple throws (N) is calculated using the formula for independent events:

Probability of Catching in N Throws = 1 - (1 - MCR)^N

Variable Explanations and Typical Ranges:

Key Variables in Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculation

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Base Catch Rate (BCR)	Inherent difficulty of catching a Pokémon.	Decimal (0-1)	0.01 (Legendary) – 0.40 (Common)
Ball Bonus	Multiplier from the type of Poké Ball used.	Multiplier	1.0 (Poké) – 2.0 (Ultra)
Berry Bonus	Multiplier from using a Razz, Silver Pinap, or Golden Razz Berry.	Multiplier	1.0 (None) – 2.5 (Golden Razz)
Throw Bonus	Multiplier from the accuracy of your throw (Nice, Great, Excellent).	Multiplier	1.0 (None/Nice) – 1.7 (Excellent)
Curveball Bonus	Multiplier for throwing a curveball.	Multiplier	1.0 (No) – 1.7 (Yes)
Medal Bonus	Multiplier from your type-specific catch medals (e.g., Fire-type medal).	Multiplier	1.0 (None) – 1.4 (Platinum)

Practical Examples: Using the Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator

Example 1: Catching a Common Pokémon

Let’s say you encounter a Pidgey (BCR = 0.40) and want to catch it efficiently.

• Inputs:
  • Base Catch Rate: 0.40
  • Ball Type: Poké Ball (1.0x)
  • Berry Type: None (1.0x)
  • Throw Accuracy: Nice (1.0x)
  • Curveball: No (1.0x)
  • Type Medal Level: None (1.0x)
• Calculation:
  • Total Multiplier = 1.0 * 1.0 * 1.0 * 1.0 * 1.0 = 1.0
  • Modified Catch Rate (MCR) = 0.40 * 1.0 = 0.40
  • Catch Probability (Single Throw) = 40.00%
  • Probability of Catching in 3 Throws = 1 – (1 – 0.40)^3 = 1 – (0.60)^3 = 1 – 0.216 = 0.784 = 78.40%
• Interpretation: Even with minimal bonuses, a common Pokémon has a decent chance. You’d likely catch it within a few throws.

Example 2: Catching a Legendary Pokémon from a Raid

You’ve just defeated a Legendary Raid Boss like Mewtwo (BCR = 0.02) and want to maximize your chances.

• Inputs:
  • Base Catch Rate: 0.02
  • Ball Type: Premier Ball (equivalent to Poké Ball for raids, so 1.0x for calculation purposes, though actual raid balls have specific mechanics) – *For this calculator, we’ll use Ultra Ball as the best option.* Let’s assume Ultra Ball (2.0x) for a wild legendary.
  • Berry Type: Golden Razz Berry (2.5x)
  • Throw Accuracy: Excellent (1.7x)
  • Curveball: Yes (1.7x)
  • Type Medal Level: Platinum (1.4x)
• Calculation:
  • Total Multiplier = 2.0 * 2.5 * 1.7 * 1.7 * 1.4 = 20.23
  • Modified Catch Rate (MCR) = 0.02 * 20.23 = 0.4046
  • Catch Probability (Single Throw) = 40.46%
  • Probability of Catching in 3 Throws = 1 – (1 – 0.4046)^3 = 1 – (0.5954)^3 = 1 – 0.2109 = 0.7891 = 78.91%
• Interpretation: Even with a very low Base Catch Rate, applying all optimal bonuses significantly boosts your single-throw probability to over 40%. This highlights the importance of using the best items and techniques for rare Pokémon.

How to Use This Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator

Using the Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator is straightforward:

1. Identify the Pokémon’s Base Catch Rate (BCR): This is the most crucial input. You can find BCRs on various Pokémon Go databases online (e.g., Bulbapedia, Serebii, GamePress). Use the provided table as a general guide.
2. Select Your Ball Type: Choose between Poké Ball, Great Ball, or Ultra Ball based on what you’re using.
3. Choose Your Berry Type: Indicate if you’re using a Razz Berry, Silver Pinap Berry, Golden Razz Berry, or no berry.
4. Specify Throw Accuracy: Select the accuracy of your throw (None, Nice, Great, or Excellent). Aim for Excellent!
5. Indicate Curveball Usage: Select ‘Yes’ if you’re throwing a curveball, ‘No’ otherwise.
6. Set Your Type Medal Level: Choose your medal level (None, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) for the Pokémon’s primary type.
7. Click “Calculate Catch Rate”: The calculator will instantly display your results.
8. Read the Results:
   • Catch Probability (Single Throw): Your percentage chance of catching the Pokémon with one throw under the specified conditions. This is the primary highlighted result.
   • Total Multiplier: The combined effect of all your bonuses.
   • Modified Catch Rate (MCR): Your Base Catch Rate after applying all multipliers.
   • Probability of Catching in 3 Throws: The cumulative chance of catching the Pokémon within three attempts.
9. Use the Chart: Visualize how your catch probability increases with more throws, and compare it to an optimal setup.
10. Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear inputs or “Copy Results” to save your findings.

This Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring you don’t waste valuable resources on easy catches or miss out on rare Pokémon due to suboptimal strategies.

Key Factors That Affect Pokémon Go Catch Rate Results

Understanding the factors that influence the Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator results is key to becoming a master trainer:

1. Pokémon’s Base Catch Rate (BCR): This is the foundational factor. Every Pokémon species has an inherent BCR, ranging from very high (e.g., Pidgey) to very low (e.g., Legendary Pokémon). A lower BCR means the Pokémon is naturally harder to catch, requiring more bonuses to achieve a reasonable catch probability.
2. Ball Type: Different Poké Balls offer varying catch bonuses. A standard Poké Ball provides no bonus (1.0x), a Great Ball offers a 1.5x bonus, and an Ultra Ball provides the highest at 2.0x. Always use the best available ball for rare or difficult Pokémon.
3. Berry Type: Berries are consumable items that temporarily boost your catch rate. A Razz Berry gives a 1.5x bonus, a Silver Pinap Berry gives 1.8x, and a Golden Razz Berry provides the most significant boost at 2.5x. Golden Razz Berries are invaluable for raid bosses and shiny Pokémon.
4. Throw Accuracy (Nice, Great, Excellent): The precision of your throw significantly impacts the catch rate. A “Nice” throw offers a small bonus (often 1.0x-1.3x depending on the exact game mechanics), “Great” throws provide a better bonus (1.3x-1.7x), and “Excellent” throws give the highest bonus (1.7x-2.0x). Mastering excellent throws is crucial.
5. Curveball Bonus: Throwing a curveball consistently provides a flat 1.7x bonus to your catch rate, regardless of accuracy. This is a free and powerful bonus that every trainer should aim to utilize.
6. Type Medal Bonus: As you catch more Pokémon of a certain type (e.g., Fire, Water, Grass), you earn type-specific medals. These medals provide a cumulative bonus to your catch rate for Pokémon of that type: Bronze (1.1x), Silver (1.2x), Gold (1.3x), and Platinum (1.4x). This passive bonus is a long-term investment in your catching efficiency.
7. Pokémon Level (Implicitly via CP): While not a direct input in this simplified calculator, a Pokémon’s level (which correlates with its CP) affects its “capture difficulty” in the game’s internal formula. Higher-level Pokémon are generally harder to catch, even with the same BCR. Our calculator focuses on the multipliers, assuming you’re applying them to a given BCR.

By strategically combining these factors, you can dramatically increase your Pokémon Go Catch Rate and secure more valuable Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pokémon Go Catch Rates

Q1: Does a Pokémon’s CP directly affect its catch rate?
A1: While higher CP Pokémon are generally harder to catch, it’s more accurately their hidden “Pokémon Level” that influences the difficulty. Our Pokémon Go Catch Rate Calculator focuses on the Base Catch Rate and multipliers, which are universally applicable.

Q2: Is it always better to use a Golden Razz Berry?
A2: For rare, legendary, or shiny Pokémon, yes, a Golden Razz Berry (2.5x bonus) is almost always the best choice to maximize your Pokémon Go Catch Rate. For common Pokémon, it’s often overkill and a waste of a valuable resource.

Q3: How much does a curveball really help?
A3: A curveball provides a significant 1.7x multiplier to your catch rate. It’s one of the easiest and most consistent ways to boost your Pokémon Go Catch Rate without consuming items.

Q4: Do type medals make a big difference?
A4: Yes, especially Platinum medals (1.4x bonus). These passive bonuses accumulate over time and provide a constant boost to your Pokémon Go Catch Rate for specific types, making them very impactful in the long run.

Q5: Can I stack multiple berries for a higher catch rate?
A5: No, only one berry effect can be active at a time. Using a new berry will replace the effect of any previously used berry.

Q6: What’s the difference between a Razz Berry and a Golden Razz Berry?
A6: A Razz Berry provides a 1.5x catch bonus, while a Golden Razz Berry provides a much stronger 2.5x bonus. Golden Razz Berries are rarer and typically reserved for high-value targets.

Q7: Does the color of the catch circle matter?
A7: Yes, the color of the catch circle (green, yellow, orange, red) is a visual indicator of the Pokémon’s difficulty to catch. Green is easiest, red is hardest. This difficulty is directly related to the Pokémon’s Base Catch Rate and its level.

Q8: Is there a “Master Ball” in Pokémon Go?
A8: Yes, the Master Ball was introduced in 2023 and guarantees a catch. However, it is extremely rare and not a standard item for daily use. Our calculator focuses on the standard catch mechanics.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

Enhance your Pokémon Go gameplay with these other useful tools and guides:

• Pokémon Go IV Calculator: Determine your Pokémon’s hidden Individual Values to assess its true potential for battles.
• Pokémon Go XP Calculator: Plan your leveling strategy and calculate how much experience you need for your next trainer level.
• Pokémon Go Evolution Calculator: See the potential CP of your Pokémon after evolution to make informed decisions.
• Pokémon Go Raid Guide: Find strategies and best counters for current and upcoming raid bosses.
• Pokémon Go Best Pokémon Guide: Discover the top Pokémon for various battle scenarios, including raids and PvP.
• Pokémon Go Buddy Distance Calculator: Calculate how far you need to walk your buddy for candy or hearts.