Pokémon Catch Rate FAQ
How the catch formula, balls, status, and HP inputs interact across Pokémon generations.
How is a Pokémon's catch rate calculated?
Modern games use the formula a = (((3×MaxHP − 2×CurrentHP) / (3×MaxHP)) × CatchRate × BallMultiplier × StatusMultiplier) − generation-specific modifiers. This calculator applies the ruleset you select per game so the result matches in-game probabilities.
Does lower HP always increase catch chance?
Yes. The numerator (3×Max − 2×Current) grows as current HP drops, so a Pokémon at 1 HP is roughly 3× easier to catch than a fresh one. Pair low HP with the right ball and status for the best result.
Which status effects boost catch rate the most?
Sleep and Freeze give the highest multiplier (2.5× in most modern games), followed by Paralysis, Poison, and Burn at 1.5×. Use False Swipe plus a status move to safely soften and then lock in status.
Why does the same Pokémon have different catch odds across games?
Each generation ships a slightly different catch formula (Gen 1, Gen 2+, Gen 5+, and Let's Go use different constants and rounding). Switching the game in the dropdown swaps to that ruleset so odds match.
Do Master Balls, Quick Balls, or Timer Balls behave differently?
Master Ball always succeeds (100%). Quick Ball is 5× on turn 1, then drops to 1×. Timer Ball scales up by turn count, capping at 4×. Ball-specific multipliers are applied on top of the base catch formula.
Can I calculate shiny lock or legendary encounters?
Yes for catch odds. Shiny status has no effect on catch rate, and legendaries typically have a catch rate of 3 (very low), which this calculator respects. Encounter rate and shiny rolls are separate systems.
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