Pokémon Database

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Catch Rate Calculator

Exact catch chance for every ball and status in Sinnoh. Generation IV capture formula.

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Sinnoh keeps the Generation III formula but adds the Quick, Dusk and Heal Balls and changes the Nest Ball curve. This tool covers all 493 Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Arceus and shows how much each ball, status and HP level really changes your odds.

Select Pokémon

#025PikachuelectricPikachu

Catch rate and max HP start from the species data and a typical stat spread. Edit either one if you know your target's real value.

Battle Conditions

Results — Per Throw

Catch Probability28.0%
Visual
Low
X value (internal)63
Ball multiplier1×
Current HP65 / 65
Throws for 50%3
Throws for 95%10

Cumulative Catch Probability

1 throw
28.0%
3 throws
62.6%
5 throws
80.6%
10 throws
96.2%
20 throws
99.9%
50 throws
100%

How catching works in Generation III and IV

The modified catch rate is a = (3 × max HP − 2 × current HP) × catch rate × ball bonus ÷ (3 × max HP), then multiplied by the status bonus (2 for sleep and freeze, 1.5 for the rest), rounding down at each step. If a is 255 or more, the Pokémon is caught immediately.

Otherwise the game computes a shake value b = 1,048,560 ÷ the fourth root of (16,711,680 ÷ a), using whole numbers throughout. Four checks are made, each succeeding with chance b ÷ 65,536, and the Pokémon is caught only if all four succeed. There are no critical captures in this generation.

Tips for Catching Pokémon in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

  • Quick Ball is 4× on the very first throw only. In Sinnoh it is the strongest opening throw against anything that doesn't need to be weakened first.
  • Dusk Ball gives 3.5× inside caves and at night, which suits the Oreburgh Gate, Mt. Coronet and Wayward Cave encounters.
  • Sleep and freeze double the modified catch rate, so Spore or Hypnosis plus a False Swipe beats an extra-strong ball for most legendaries.
  • Heal Balls do not change the odds at all. They only restore HP after the catch.

Ball Reference (Pokémon Diamond and Pearl)

Poké Ball
1×. No bonus.
Great Ball
1.5×. Reliable early upgrade.
Ultra Ball
2×. Best general-purpose ball.
Master Ball
Always catches.
Premier Ball
1×. Same as a Poké Ball.
Luxury Ball
1×. Raises friendship only.
Net Ball
3× against Bug and Water types, otherwise 1×.
Dive Ball
3.5× while surfing, fishing or underwater, otherwise 1×.
Nest Ball
Up to 4×, falling as the target's level rises. 1× from level 41.
Repeat Ball
3× on species you have already caught, otherwise 1×.
Timer Ball
Grows with each turn in battle, up to 4×.
Heal Ball
1×. Restores HP after the catch.
Quick Ball
4× on the first turn only, otherwise 1×.
Dusk Ball
3.5× at night or in caves, otherwise 1×.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Diamond and Pearl have critical captures?

No. Critical captures arrive in Generation V, so every throw here is a plain four-shake attempt.

How is the Timer Ball different from the Nest Ball?

The Timer Ball grows with the number of turns you have spent in battle, up to 4×. The Nest Ball is strongest on low-level targets and fades as the level rises.

Why do some Pokémon never reach 100% with an Ultra Ball?

A modified catch rate under 255 always leaves some chance of a shake failing. Only a rate of 255 or more is an automatic catch.

More Catch Rate Calculators

Planning a playthrough? Read our Pokémon Diamond and Pearl guide.

Results are exact for the formula shown, to within the game's own rounding. Species catch rates are the current values and a few differ in older games, so edit the catch rate if you know yours.