Pokémon Database

Pokémon Platinum Catch Rate Calculator

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

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Platinum uses the same capture code as Diamond and Pearl but has a bigger post-game list of Pokémon to hunt, including the Distortion World's Giratina. Use this calculator for the exact per-throw odds and for how many throws you need to reach 50% or 95% overall.

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 Platinum

  • Giratina's catch rate is 3, so even a perfect setup leaves a small per-throw chance. Bring plenty of Ultra Balls and a way to keep it asleep.
  • Roaming Mesprit and Cresselia can run, so spend your first turn on a status move or a Quick Ball rather than on damage.
  • Timer Ball is excellent for long fights against bulky targets like Regigigas, because its multiplier stops at 4× after about 30 turns.
  • Premier and Luxury Balls behave exactly like Poké Balls for catching.

Ball Reference (Pokémon Platinum)

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

Is Platinum's catch formula different from Diamond and Pearl?

No. The formula and ball bonuses are identical.

What changed from Generation III?

The Nest Ball curve, the Quick and Dusk Balls, and the Timer Ball's turn-based growth were all adjusted or introduced in Generation IV.

Does the Pal Park change catch rates?

Transferred Pokémon are not caught with this system, so they are not covered by this calculator.

More Catch Rate Calculators

Planning a playthrough? Read our Pokémon Platinum 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.