Pokemon damage formula
The damage formula sets the base damage for a move before modifiers like STAB, critical hits, and type matchups are applied. It is the core calculation that turns move power and stats into the number of HP a target actually loses.
What the formula uses
The core inputs are the attacker's level, the move's base power, and the relevant Attack and Defense stats (Physical or Special depending on the move category). The formula changes slightly between generations but the core concepts are the same. A move with high base power is not always better than a lower-power move if the lower-power move has better multipliers.
Common modifiers
After the base calculation, the game applies multipliers such as STAB, type effectiveness, critical hits, weather, items, abilities, burn, Reflect, Light Screen, and random damage variance. Those multipliers are why the same move can hit very differently depending on the battle state.
How to read damage in practice
The formula is easiest to think about in layers: first the game checks stats and power, then it applies matchup modifiers, then it rolls the final damage range. EVs, IVs, natures, and type advantage all matter before the move even lands.
Special cases
Some moves and effects bypass the standard formula or use fixed damage instead. Seismic Toss, Night Shade, Dragon Rage, and Sonic Boom are common examples. Super Fang is different because it halves the target's current HP. Double battles can also apply spread-move penalties, so the same attack may deal different damage in singles and doubles.
Related mechanics
See STAB, critical hits, weather, and damage categories for the major modifiers that plug into this formula.
FAQ
Is the damage formula the same in every game?
It is mostly consistent across generations, but some numbers and modifiers have changed. Always check the specific generation if you need exact values.
Where do EVs and IVs fit in?
EVs and IVs affect your Pokemon's final stats, which then feed into the Attack and Defense values used in the formula.