Pokémon Database

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Catch Rate Calculator

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

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HeartGold and SoulSilver combine the Generation IV formula with Kurt's Apricorn balls, so almost every special ball in the series is available. The extra inputs here appear only when you pick a ball that uses them, such as your lead's level for the Level Ball.

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 HeartGold and SoulSilver

  • The Fast Ball is 4× against Pokémon with a base Speed of at least 100, which covers many roamers and flighty targets such as Raikou and Entei.
  • Love Ball is 8× only when the target is the same species as your Pokémon and the opposite gender.
  • The Lure Ball is 3× on fished Pokémon and is the standard choice for Gyarados and Feebas-style hunts.
  • Heavy Ball changes the base catch rate by weight bracket, so check the Pokémon's weight before spending Apricorns.

Ball Reference (Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver)

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×.
Level Ball
8× if your lead is over 4× the target's level, 4× over 2×, 2× if higher, otherwise 1×.
Lure Ball
3× on Pokémon hooked while fishing, otherwise 1×.
Moon Ball
4× for Nidoran, Nidorina, Nidorino, Clefairy, Jigglypuff, Skitty and Munna, otherwise 1×.
Friend Ball
1×. Raises friendship only.
Love Ball
8× if the target is the same species and the opposite gender, otherwise 1×.
Heavy Ball
Changes the catch rate by weight: −20, 0, +20 or +30 at 204.8, 307.2 and 409.6 kg.
Fast Ball
4× against Pokémon with a base Speed of 100 or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Apricorn balls does this calculator support?

Level, Lure, Moon, Friend, Love, Heavy and Fast Balls are all included.

How many throws should I plan for the legendary beasts?

The cumulative table shows how many throws reach 50% and 95%, which is a better guide than the single-throw number.

Does the Bug-Catching Contest use this formula?

No. The Contest uses Park Balls and its own rules, which are not covered here.

More Catch Rate Calculators

Planning a playthrough? Read our Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver 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.