Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
These examples show common catch setups. Results vary when special ball conditions change.
| Scenario | Max HP | Current HP | Catch Rate | Ball | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common early target | 80 | 20 | 190 | Poké Ball | None | Basic wild catch estimate. |
| Rare target at 1 HP | 160 | 1 | 45 | Ultra Ball | Paralyzed | Optimized normal encounter. |
| Legendary style target | 220 | 1 | 3 | Dusk Ball | Asleep | Low catch rate planning. |
| Timer Ball test | 120 | 10 | 75 | Timer Ball | Frozen | Long battle comparison. |
Formula Used
This calculator uses the Gen 8 modified catch value:
X = (((3M - 2H) × G × C × B) / (3M)) × L × S × D
M is maximum HP. H is current HP. G is the grass modifier. C is the base catch rate after Heavy Ball changes. B is the ball bonus. L is the low-level modifier. S is the status modifier. D is the difficulty modifier.
When X reaches 255 or more, the catch is treated as guaranteed. Otherwise, the page calculates the shake check value and raises the shake pass chance to the fourth power. Critical capture is estimated separately with Pokédex progress and Catching Charm settings.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the target Pokémon name, HP values, level, and base catch rate.
- Select the ball that matches your planned throw.
- Choose the target status condition, such as sleep or paralysis.
- Fill special ball conditions, such as fishing, night, cave, or prior catch.
- Adjust Gen 8 modifiers only when your encounter needs them.
- Press the calculate button to view the result above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save your result.
Gen 8 Catch Rate Planning Guide
Why Catch Rate Matters
Catching looks simple during play. The hidden math is not simple. Gen 8 uses health, ball type, status, level, and special encounter rules. A small change can greatly shift the final chance. This is why a calculator helps before rare throws.
HP and Status Strategy
Lower HP usually gives the strongest improvement. One HP is often the best safe target. False Swipe is useful because it leaves one HP. Status adds another boost. Sleep and freeze are stronger than paralysis, poison, or burn. Still, paralysis is easier to keep in many battles.
Choosing the Right Ball
The ball choice can matter as much as damage. Ultra Ball is reliable for general use. Dusk Ball can beat it at night or in caves. Quick Ball is strong on the first turn. Timer Ball grows during long fights. Specialty balls can dominate when their condition is active.
Gen 8 Modifiers
Gen 8 adds low-level help for targets below level twenty-one. This makes early catches easier than many older games. Difficulty rules can also punish some encounters. Underleveled story situations can reduce capture odds. Raid captures may follow special rules. Use the custom modifiers when your encounter has unusual mechanics.
Reading the Result
The overall chance shows the expected success per ball. The ball targets estimate how many throws reach fifty or ninety-five percent confidence. These are not guarantees. They are probability guides. A low chance can still succeed early. A high chance can still fail. Use the result to plan items, status moves, and safer battles.
FAQs
1. What does Gen 8 mean here?
It means the main eighth generation capture mechanics used around Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, and Shining Pearl style calculations.
2. Why does current HP affect the result?
Lower current HP increases the HP factor. This raises the modified catch value and improves the chance that all shake checks pass.
3. Which status is best?
Sleep and freeze usually give the largest status bonus. Paralysis, poison, and burn still help, but their modifier is smaller.
4. Why is Heavy Ball different?
Heavy Ball changes the base catch rate directly. It adds or subtracts points based on the target species weight.
5. What does critical capture mean?
A critical capture uses a shorter capture check. Its trigger chance depends on modified catch value, Pokédex progress, and Catching Charm.
6. Does this guarantee the exact game result?
No. It estimates the probability from known mechanics. Actual gameplay still uses random checks for each thrown ball.
7. Why include custom modifiers?
Some encounters have unusual rules. Custom modifiers let you model special cases without changing the main calculator code.
8. What do the download buttons save?
The CSV and PDF buttons export the current result summary, including modifiers, catch chance, and estimated ball counts.