🔥 Pokémon GO Evolution Calculator

Evolution in Pokémon GO is a core game mechanic that defines your success in raids, PvP battles, and gym battles. When you evolve a Pokémon, everything about the species levels up, including its combat power, base stats, and battle abilities.

The game uses a complex formula to calculate your evolved Pokémon’s final CP:

CP = (Base Attack + Attack IV) × √(Base Defense + Defense IV) × √(Base HP + HP IV) × CP Multiplier² ÷ 10

If that formula looks like ancient hieroglyphics, don’t worry – that’s exactly why Pokémon GO evolution calculators exist.

Pokémon GO Evolution Calculator

In Pokémon GO, catching cute creatures has become a game of statistics, strategy, and intense number crunching. Evolution is the single most impactful way to increase your Pokémon’s Combat Power (CP) and Hit Points (HP), turning a good catch into a Gym-crushing, Raid-dominating, GO Battle League creature. But Pokémon GO’s evolution mechanics are far deeper than they appear. IVs, levels, hidden stats, special items, and even the time of day all play a role. Trying to find out your Pokémon’s post-evolution strength on the fly is a recipe for wasted resources and missed opportunities.

lf staring at your phone at 2 AM to decide if the Magikarp is worth 400 candies, you’re one of the many obsessed trainers in the Pokémon community. What started as a simple “catch ‘em all” in 2016 has become a complex ecosystem where every evolution decision matters. That’s exactly why we have built this advanced Pokémon GO Evolution Calculator. It’s a go-to tool to make informed decisions about which Pokémon are worth your valuable candies and stardust. The calculator for Pokémon GO evolution predicts the Pokémon CP once it evolves and provides an estimate of CP post-evolution based on the current entered species and CP.

• Read more: 10 Best Pokémon Games of All Time

How to Use Pokémon GO Evolution Calculator

Our evolution calculator for Pokémon GO is built on the game’s actual mechanics to tell you precise predictions. To get the accurate results, you’ll need to provide a few key pieces of info about your Pokémon:

• Pokémon Name: Type in the Pokémon you want to see evolve stats for, and our system instantly pulls its base stats from a comprehensive, up-to-date database.
• Current CP (Combat Power): It’s Pokémon’s current strength, a direct factor in how powerful its evolved form will be. Input the exact CP you see in-game.
• Pokémon Level: This is crucial for accuracy. You can estimate it from the arc above your Pokémon in the game, but for the right accuracy, use an IV checker app (like Calcy IV or PokeGenie) to get the exact level, including half-levels. Our calculator handles the full spectrum, from Level 1 to Level 50, to ensure realistic predictions based on the creature’s current power-up status.
• IVs (Individual Values): These are the hidden stats, including Attack, Defense, and HP, unique to every single Pokémon. Each can range from 0 to 15. A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) will always be stronger than one with lower IVs at the same level. Our Pokémon GO calculator meticulously integrates these IVs into its evaluations, giving you a true picture of your Pokémon’s maximum potential.

Once you hit the ‘Calculate Evolution‘ button after entering all required details, our tool calculates the stats using the exact formulas of Pokémon GO and gives:

• Estimated Evolved CP & HP: You’ll see the predicted Combat Power and Hit Points of your Pokémon after it evolves.
• Full Evolution Chain: Beyond just the next stage, our calculator maps out the entire evolution line for your Pokémon, including any available Mega Evolutions. This helps you plan your long-term investments and see the full potential journey.
• Candy Requirements: You’ll get clear, concise candy costs for each evolution stage, so you know exactly what you need to save up.
• Special Requirements: This is the part where many trainers get tripped up. If your Pokémon needs an Evolution Item (like a Sinnoh Stone), a specific number of Buddy Hearts, a daytime to evolve, or if it benefits from Trade Evolution, our calculator will highlight these conditions.

The calculator factors in weather boosts that can increase Pokémon’s level and subsequent evolution power, and it adjusts predictions based on current environmental bonuses. Further, the tool handles special calculations for Lucky Pokémon, which require 50% less Stardust to power up – a crucial factor in long-term resource planning.

Pokémon GO Evolution Explained

Evolution in Pokémon GO is more than simply a power-up; it’s a fundamental mechanic that transforms your Pokémon, and unlocking new abilities, higher stats, and sometimes even new typings. Although the core concept is simple, feed your Pokémon enough candy, the nuances are what separate casual players from strategic experts. Let’s break down the different ways Pokémon evolve.

Candy Costs

Pokémon candy is the primary currency for evolution. You earn it when you catch Pokémon (3 candies per catch, 6 during events), hatch eggs (variable, but often generous), transfer unwanted Pokémon to Professor Willow (1 candy per transfer), or walk with a buddy Pokémon. The amount of candy required varies a lot according to the Pokémon species and its evolutionary stage:

• 25 Candies: It’s the most common cost for the first evolution in a two or three-stage evolutionary line. Consider early-game Pokémon like Caterpie to Metapod, Weedle to Kakuna, or Pidgey to Pidgeotto. It’s a low barrier to entry, which allows to quickly build up the Pokémon Pokédex.
• 50 Candies: Often required for the second evolution in a three-stage line (e.g., Metapod to Butterfree, Kakuna to Beedrill, Pidgeotto to Pidgeot) or for single-stage evolutions that lead to powerful Pokémon, such as Eevee’s evolution into its different forms (Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon, Leafeon, Glaceon, Sylveon). Many powerful two-stage Pokémon also fall into this category like Machop to Machoke, or Geodude to Graveler.
• 100 Candies: Reserved for more big power spikes, usually for final evolutions in a three-stage line (e.g., Charmander to Charmeleon to Charizard, Squirtle to Wartortle to Blastoise, Bulbasaur to Ivysaur to Venusaur). These evolutions usually result in creatures with very high CP and HP, which will be valuable additions to your battle teams.
• 400 Candies: This massive candy cost is reserved for a select few Pokémon that undergo dramatic transformations into very powerful forms. The best example is Magikarp to Gyarados, and another good one is Meltan to Melmetal, which requires you to invest a lot. These evolutions are often endgame goals, and our Pokémon GO evolution calculator helps you track that long grind.

Tip: The Buddy System is your Candy Farm: Don’t underestimate the power of walking with a buddy Pokémon. For rare Pokémon or those with exorbitant evolution costs (like Magikarp), setting them as your companion allows you to earn candies only by accumulating distance. The distance required per candy varies by Pokémon (1km, 3km, 5km, 20km).

Evolution Methods

While candy is crucial, Pokémon GO loves to bring in unique evolution requirements. Understanding these special methods is important to complete your Pokédex and get a few powerful or rare Pokémon. Many Pokémon won’t evolve with just candy; they need a specific Evolution Item. These items are often rare drops from PokéStop spins (especially 7-day streak bonus), gifts from friends, or rewards from Special Research tasks. These items include:

King’s Rock – Transforms Poliwhirl into Politoed (100 Poliwag Candies + 1 King’s Rock) and Slowpoke into Slowking (50 Slowpoke Candies + 1 King’s Rock). Both are good picks for Great League PvP.

Metal Coat – Turns Onix into Steelix (50 Onix Candies + 1 Metal Coat) and Scyther into Scizor (50 Scyther Candies + 1 Metal Coat). Steelix is a formidable tank, and Scizor is a strong Bug/Steel attacker.

Dragon Scale – Used to evolve Seadra into Kingdra (100 Horsea Candies + 1 Dragon Scale). Kingdra is a Dragon/Water type.

Up-Grade – Evolves Porygon into Porygon2 (50 Porygon Candies + 1 Up-Grade) – a decent Normal-type with good bulk.

Sinnoh Stone

Introduced with Generation 4, it enables many Pokémon to reach their final evolutionary forms. You’ll need 100 candies of the base Pokémon plus one Sinnoh Stone for each of these:

• Rhydon to Rhyperior (Ground/Rock)
• Electabuzz to Electivire (Electric)
• Magmar to Magmortar (Fire)
• Togetic to Togekiss (Fairy/Flying)
• Misdreavus to Mismagius (Ghost)
• Murkrow to Honchkrow (Dark/Flying)
• Gligar to Gliscor (Ground/Flying)
• Sneasel to Weavile (Dark/Ice)
• Porygon2 to Porygon-Z (Normal)
• Roselia to Roserade (Grass/Poison)
• Dusclops to Dusknoir (Ghost)
• Tangela to Tangrowth (Grass)
• Yanma to Yanmega (Bug/Flying)
• Kirlia (male) to Gallade (Psychic/Fighting)
• Snorunt (female) to Froslass (Ice/Ghost)
• Lickitung to Lickilicky (Normal)
• Aipom to Ambipom (Normal)
• Mantyke to Mantine (Water/Flying)
• Mime Jr. to Mr. Mime (Psychic/Fairy)
• Bonsly to Sudowoodo (Rock)
• Happiny to Chansey (Normal)
• Chingling to Chimecho (Psychic)
• Munchlax to Snorlax (Normal)
• Finneon to Lumineon (Water)
• Croagunk to Toxicroak (Poison/Fighting)
• Snover to Abomasnow (Grass/Ice)

Unova Stone

Just like the Sinnoh Stone, but for some Generation 5 Pokémon and beyond. You’ll need 50 candies plus one Unova Stone for these:

• Lampent to Chandelure (Ghost/Fire) – a top-tier Ghost attacker
• Pansear to Simisear (Fire)
• Pansage to Simisage (Grass)
• Panpour to Simipour (Water)
• Minccino to Cinccino (Normal)
• Munna to Musharna (Psychic)
• Eelektrik to Eelektross (Electric)
• Ferroseed to Ferrothorn (Grass/Steel)
• Litwick to Chandelure (Ghost/Fire)
• Golett to Golurk (Ground/Ghost)
• Vullaby to Mandibuzz (Dark/Flying)
• Pawniard to Bisharp (Dark/Steel)
• Rufflet to Braviary (Normal/Flying)
• Larvesta to Volcarona (Bug/Fire)
• Deino to Zweilous (Dark/Dragon)
• Mienfoo to Mienshao (Fighting)
• Goomy to Sliggoo (Dragon)
• Phantump to Trevenant (Ghost/Grass)
• Pumpkaboo to Gourgeist (Ghost/Grass)
• Spritzee to Aromatisse (Fairy)
• Swirlix to Slurpuff (Fairy)
• Inkay to Malamar (Dark/Psychic)
• Helioptile to Heliolisk (Electric/Normal)
• Tyrunt to Tyrantrum (Rock/Dragon)
• Amaura to Aurorus (Rock/Ice)
• Noibat to Noivern (Flying/Dragon)
• Bergmite to Avalugg (Ice)
• Zorua to Zoroark (Dark)
• Meltan to Melmetal (Steel)

Magnetic Lure Module – Evolves Magneton into Magnezone (50 Magnemite Candies) and Nosepass into Probopass (50 Nosepass Candies). Both get a Steel-type after evolution.

Glacial Lure Module – Evolves Eevee into Glaceon (25 Eevee Candies), a solid Ice-type attacker.

Mossy Lure Module – Evolves Eevee into Leafeon (25 Eevee Candies). A strong Grass-type attacker.

Trade Evolutions

One of the most player-friendly evolution systems introduced in Pokémon GO is Trade Evolution. Once trade between trainers, many Pokémon become eligible to be evolved with zero candy cost. This is a massive boon for resource management, mainly for costly evolves:

• Kadabra to Alakazam
• Machoke to Machamp
• Graveler to Golem
• Haunter to Gengar

If you receive one of these Pokémon in a trade, the ‘Evolve’ button will show a 0 candy cost.

Temporary Power-Ups

Many Pokémon have a Mega Evolved form (e.g., Mega Charizard X/Y, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Gengar). This requires Mega Energy, which you can get from Mega Raids. The first Mega Evolution for any one Pokémon costs a lot of Energy but subsequent Mega Evolutions for the same Pokémon are cheap. You can even get Mega Energy by walking with a buddy Pokémon that has previously Mega Evolved. Only one Pokémon can be Mega Evolved at a time, and the effect lasts for 8 hours (can be extended by Mega Evolving more frequently).

Exclusive to Groudon and Kyogre, Primal Reversion is similar to Mega Evolution. It requires Primal Energy obtained through Primal Raids. Like Mega Evolution, it’s a temporary power-up that levels up their stats and changes their appearance, making them very powerful in battle.

IV Scouting

This is one of the most critical applications of the evolution calculator. Individual Values (IVs) are the hidden stats that decide a Pokémon’s true potential. A Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) will always be powerful at max level than one with minimum IVs, even if they’re the same species. Our Pokémon GO CP evolution calculator helps you:

• Prioritize Your Investments: Stardust and Candies are valuable, finite resources so don’t waste them on a Pokémon that won’t reach its max potential. Use the calculator to project the evolved CP and HP of your companion based on their IVs. This immediately tells you which Pokémon are worth leveling up and evolving.
• Optimize for PvP Leagues: The GO Battle League has strict CP caps (1500 for Great League, 2500 for Ultra League). For these leagues, specific IV spreads are often optimal, not necessarily 15/15/15. For example, a Pokémon with low Attack IVs but high Defense and HP IVs might have a higher stat product (overall battle performance) at a lower CP, which allows it to achieve a higher level within the CP cap. The calculator lets you input different IV combinations to play around it and figure out how the evolved Pokémon’s CP will fit into these caps, and this way, you can craft good optimized teams.
• Find Hidden Gems: Sometimes, a Pokémon with seemingly low CP might have incredible IVs, so it’s a candidate for evolution and power-ups. The calculator helps you spot these sleepers, Pokémon you might otherwise transfer, that can become very deadly after shape shift.

Competitive Edge

For trainers who live for the thrill of battle, the evolution calculator is an indispensable planning tool. It allows you to simulate outcomes and prepare your teams with precision:

• Raid Boss Counters: Before you jump into a challenging 5-star or Mega Raid, use the calculator to predict the evolved CP and HP of your counters. This ensures your team is not just strong but optimally strong, with maximum damage and survivability against the toughest Raid Bosses.
• Gym Defenders and Attackers: When choosing Pokémon to hold a Gym, higher CP means a higher position in the Gym lineup, thus hard to knock out. To attack, choose Pokémon with strong offensive stats and type advantages.
• GO Battle League Team Building: This is where the evolution calculator for Pokémon GO is a high-value asset for competitive players. You can test various evolution scenarios to see how different Pokémon will perform in the Great, Ultra, and Master Leagues. It helps you understand how a Pokémon’s stats will change once evolved and if it will remain within the Combat Power limits of a given league.

Evolve First, Then Power Up

It’s a classic dilemma for many trainers: should you power up your Pokémon before evolving it, or evolve it first and then power it up? Considering the final CP and HP, it usually doesn’t matter, as the formulas account for the Pokémon’s level and IVs regardless of the order. However, there are a few practical considerations that prove why you should first evolve any Pokémon.

• IV Check and Moveset Roll: If you’re unsure about a Pokémon’s IVs or its true potential, evolving it first allows you to see its evolved form’s CP and HP. More importantly, when a creature upgrades, it rolls a new moveset. You want to know if you got a good moveset before you sink a ton of Stardust to power it up. If the moveset is bad, you can save your Stardust and consider to go with another one. You can always use TMs later, but saving Stardust is key.
• Hitting Specific CP Targets for PvP: This is crucial for the GO Battle League. If you aim for a specific CP target (e.g., just under 1500 CP for Great League or 2500 CP for Ultra League), it’s almost always better to evolve first. This way, you can power up incrementally and stop exactly when you reach the required CP to avoid overpowering and exceeding the league’s cap. Our calculator is invaluable here, which lets you see exactly where your Pokémon will land.

Movesets are Important

While the Pokémon GO evolution calculator focuses on CP and HP, it’s critical to remember that a Pokémon’s moveset is equally, if not more, important for its performance in battles. When a Pokémon evolves, it often learns a new Fast Attack and Charged Attack. These moves are randomly assigned from a pool of available moves for the evolved version.

If your evolved Pokémon doesn’t get the good moveset, don’t despair. You can use Fast TMs (Technical Machines) and Charged TMs to change their moves. Fast TMs change the Fast Attack, and Charged TMs lead to the Charged Attack. For specific or legacy moves, you must have Elite Fast TMs and Elite Charged TMs, which allow you to select from all available moves, including those no longer normally obtainable.

Sometimes, trainers will intentionally save a Pokémon and evolve it during specific in-game events, mostly Community Days. Any featured Pokémon evolution often grants it an exclusive, powerful move that is otherwise unavailable. Planning these evolutions in advance is crucial to acquire top-tier species with great movesets.

Shiny and Shadow Pokémon

Shiny and Shadow Pokémon follow the same basic evolution process, but with unique considerations that can impact their utility:

• Shiny Pokémon: Evolving a Shiny Pokémon will result in its Shiny evolved form. The CP and HP calculations remain similar to their regular counterparts. It’s purely cosmetic, but a highly sought-after cosmetic!
• Shadow Pokémon: These are a double-edged sword. They receive a 20% attack boost but also suffer a 20% defense reduction. When a Shadow Pokémon is evolved, it keeps these stat modifiers, so it’s an incredibly powerful attacker, often out-damaging its purified or regular counterparts. Though they are also glass cannons, purifying a Shadow Pokémon removes these modifiers and gives it a 2-point IV boost to all stats. The decision to purify or keep a Shadow Pokémon depends heavily on its IVs, the Pokémon’s role, and your strategic goals. For raids and Rocket battles, the Shadow bonus is preferred for its raw damage output, despite the defensive trade-off. For PvP, it’s more nuanced and depends on the specific Pokémon and league.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn’t my evolved Pokémon match the calculator prediction exactly?

Minor rounding differences in the game’s calculations can result in small discrepancies (usually 1-3 CP). Ensure you’ve entered accurate IV values and current level information for the most precise results.

Should I evolve high CP or high IV Pokémon?

High IV Pokémon will reach higher maximum CP when fully upgraded. However, high CP Pokémon offers immediate utility. Use our calculator to compare both scenarios and make the choice that fits your current needs and long-term goals.

How do I know my Pokémon’s exact IVs?

The in-game appraisal system provides IV ranges, but third-party IV calculator apps can give exact values. Many experienced trainers use these tools alongside evolution calculators for maximum precision.

Is it worth evolving shiny Pokémon with poor IVs?

Shiny Pokémon are primarily collectible trophies (approximately 1/500 encounter rate). If you’re focused on competitive battling, prioritize high IV specimens. For collection and bragging rights, shiny evolution can be worthwhile regardless of stats.