Smogon Calculator
Professional-grade damage calculation for competitive Pokemon battles.
Damage Range
Damage Distribution (16 Possible Rolls)
Visual representation of the 0.85x to 1.0x random variance in Smogon mechanics.
| Roll % | Damage (HP) | Damage (%) | Status |
|---|
What is a Smogon Calculator?
A Smogon Calculator is an essential tool for competitive Pokemon players, designed to simulate the mathematical outcomes of battles. Whether you are playing on Pokemon Showdown or building a team for VGC, understanding how much damage your moves will do is the difference between winning and losing. This tool uses the official Gen 9 damage formula to provide precise ranges.
Who should use it? Professional players use the Smogon Calculator to optimize their EV spreads, ensuring they can survive specific hits from top-tier threats like Flutter Mane or Landorus-T. Common misconceptions include the idea that damage is a fixed number; in reality, Pokemon damage exists on a 16-step randomized scale.
Smogon Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of the Smogon Calculator relies on a complex sequence of multiplications and "flooring" (rounding down) operations. The simplified version of the formula used in modern generations is:
Damage = (((2 * Level / 5 + 2) * Power * A / D) / 50 + 2) * Modifiers * Random(0.85, 1.00)
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Pokemon's Level | Integer | 50 – 100 |
| Power | Move Base Power | Integer | 10 – 250 |
| A (Attack) | Attacker's Stat | Integer | 5 – 500+ |
| D (Defense) | Defender's Stat | Integer | 5 – 500+ |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Garchomp vs. Tyranitar
Imagine a Level 100 Garchomp using Earthquake (100 BP) against a Tyranitar. With 350 Attack vs 250 Defense, the Smogon Calculator shows a significant chance to 2HKO. If Garchomp holds a Life Orb, the damage multiplier increases by 1.3x, potentially turning that 2HKO into a guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock damage.
Example 2: Choice Specs Chi-Yu in Sun
Chi-Yu's Overheat in Harsh Sunlight is one of the most powerful attacks in the game. By inputting the 1.5x multiplier for Choice Specs and another 1.5x for Weather into the Smogon Calculator, players can see that even resisted targets often take over 50% damage, highlighting the need for specific defensive usage statistics checks.
How to Use This Smogon Calculator
- Input Stats: Enter the Level, Attack/Special Attack of the attacker, and the Defense/Special Defense of the defender.
- Set Move Power: Enter the base power of the move being used.
- Select Multipliers: Choose the correct Type Effectiveness (e.g., 2x for Super Effective) and STAB (1.5x if the move matches the Pokemon's type).
- Analyze Results: Look at the "Damage Range" box. If the minimum damage is over 100%, it is a guaranteed OHKO.
- Interpret the Chart: The chart shows all 16 possible damage rolls. If only the top 4 rolls result in a knockout, you have a 25% chance to OHKO.
Key Factors That Affect Smogon Calculator Results
- EVs and IVs: These directly determine the raw Attack and Defense stats used in the formula.
- Natures: A positive nature (like Adamant) adds a 1.1x multiplier to a stat, which is calculated before the damage formula.
- Held Items: Items like Choice Band or Life Orb provide "on-the-fly" multipliers during the calculation.
- Weather Conditions: Rain and Sun provide 1.5x boosts to Water and Fire moves respectively, while reducing the opposite type by 0.5x.
- Field Effects: Reflect, Light Screen, and Aurora Veil cut incoming damage by half (or 1/3 in doubles).
- Random Variance: Every hit has a random multiplier between 0.85 and 1.00, creating the "damage range" seen in the Smogon Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a "roll" in Pokemon?
A roll refers to the 16 possible damage values generated by the 0.85x to 1.0x random multiplier in the damage formula.
Does the Smogon Calculator account for Critical Hits?
Standard calculations show non-crit damage. Critical hits generally apply a 1.5x multiplier and ignore negative stat changes.
Why is my damage lower than expected?
Check if the target has a high Defense stat or if you forgot to account for Abilities like Intimidate or Multiscale.
What is STAB?
Same Type Attack Bonus. It gives a 1.5x boost if the Pokemon's type matches the move's type.
How do I calculate for Double Battles?
In doubles, moves that hit multiple targets (like Rock Slide) have their power reduced to 0.75x.
What is the difference between Level 50 and Level 100 calcs?
VGC uses Level 50, while Smogon 6v6 singles use Level 100. Stats scale differently, so always check your format.
Can I calculate HP recovery?
This specific tool focuses on damage dealt, but you can compare the damage to the defender's total HP to estimate recovery needs.
Is the damage formula the same for all games?
The core formula has remained largely consistent since Generation 5, with minor tweaks to specific move interactions.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
- Official Smogon Dex – The gold standard for competitive data.
- Pokemon Showdown – The primary platform for testing Smogon Calculator results in real-time.
- OU Tier List – Check the most common threats to input into your calculations.
- Move Database – Find base power and effects for every move.
- Item Gallery – See how different items affect your damage output.
- Nature Guide – Learn which natures optimize your attacking stats.