Example Data Table
| Pokemon |
Rate |
HP |
Ball |
Status |
Use Case |
| Pikachu |
190 |
25 / 100 |
Ultra Ball |
Paralysis |
Common wild encounter |
| Snorlax |
25 |
30 / 220 |
Dusk Ball |
Sleep |
Low rate capture |
| Legendary |
3 |
1 / 180 |
Timer Ball |
Freeze |
Long battle attempt |
Formula Used
This calculator uses the common shake based catch model. First, it estimates the modified catch value:
a = ((3 × Max HP - 2 × Current HP) ÷ (3 × Max HP)) × Catch Rate × Ball Bonus × Status Bonus × Other Bonus
The value is capped at 255. If it reaches 255, the catch is treated as certain. Otherwise, the single shake chance is estimated as:
Shake Chance = (a ÷ 255) ^ 0.25
The normal capture chance is four successful shake checks:
Normal Chance = Shake Chance ^ 4
The multi throw chance is:
Chance After N Throws = 1 - (1 - One Throw Chance) ^ N
Critical capture is estimated with a species bonus option. It blends critical success and normal success into one final throw chance.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the Pokemon name for your report. Add its base catch rate. Enter maximum HP and current HP. Lower current HP improves the result. Choose the ball used in battle. Add a status condition if one is active. Set the turn count when using Quick Ball or Timer Ball. Add planned throws to study repeated attempts. Use the other bonus field for game modifiers, event rules, or custom mechanics. Enable critical capture only when you want that estimate included.
Catch Chance Calculator Pokemon Guide
Why Catch Chance Matters
A catch attempt can feel random. Yet each throw follows a clear set of modifiers. This calculator helps you study those modifiers before wasting rare balls. You can compare weak targets, full health targets, status effects, and different ball choices.
Health and Catch Rate
Base catch rate is the core value. A high rate means easier capture. A low rate means the Pokemon is difficult to catch. Current HP also matters. The formula rewards lower HP because the health factor becomes larger. A target at one HP is often much easier to catch than one at full health.
Ball and Status Choices
Ball bonus can change the result quickly. Great Ball and Ultra Ball give simple upgrades. Dusk Ball, Net Ball, Repeat Ball, Quick Ball, and Timer Ball are stronger only in suitable conditions. Sleep and freeze are usually the best status options. Paralysis, poison, and burn still help, but they add a smaller bonus.
Attempts and Planning
One throw chance is useful, but repeated throws are more practical. A ten percent chance is not certain. However, many attempts can raise the chance of at least one success. The calculator uses failure probability to show the combined result after your chosen number of throws.
Critical Capture Estimate
Critical capture changes the capture path. It reduces the number of shake checks. This calculator offers an optional estimate based on species progress. Treat it as a planning value. Game versions can vary, and special encounters may use unique rules.
Best Practical Strategy
Start by lowering HP safely. Then apply sleep or paralysis when possible. Pick a ball that matches the battle. Use Quick Ball early. Use Timer Ball later. Check the expected throws to decide whether your plan is worth the item cost.
FAQs
What is a Pokemon catch rate?
It is a base value assigned to each Pokemon. Higher values are easier to catch. Lower values need better balls, lower HP, and useful status effects.
Does lower HP always improve catch chance?
Yes. Lower current HP increases the health part of the formula. A target near one HP usually gives the best legal catch chance.
Which status condition is best?
Sleep and freeze usually give the strongest status bonus. Paralysis, poison, and burn still improve catch chance, but by a smaller amount.
Why is Timer Ball linked to turn count?
Timer Ball becomes stronger as the battle continues. This calculator raises its multiplier with turns and caps it at a practical maximum.
Why does Quick Ball depend on the first turn?
Quick Ball is strongest at the start of battle. If the turn count is above one, this calculator reduces its effect.
What does expected throws mean?
It estimates the average number of throws needed for one catch. It is not a guarantee. Random outcomes can still be shorter or longer.
Can I use a custom ball multiplier?
Yes. Select custom multiplier and enter your own value. This helps with special rules, modified games, or comparison testing.
Is the result exact for every game?
No. It is a strong planning estimate. Some games, encounters, abilities, or special events can adjust capture rules in different ways.