Pokémon GO Purify Calculator

Determine the final IVs and stats of your Shadow Pokémon after purification to decide if it’s the right move.

What is a Pokémon GO Purify Calculator?

A Pokémon GO Purify Calculator is a specialized tool for trainers to predict the outcome of purifying a Shadow Pokémon. When you purify a Pokémon, its Individual Values (IVs) increase, its level is automatically raised to 25 (if it was lower), and its expensive Charged Move ‘Frustration’ is replaced with ‘Return’. This calculator helps you see the exact IV change before you commit to spending valuable Stardust and Candy, answering the crucial question: “Is purifying this Pokémon worth it?”. It’s a key strategic tool for deciding between the raw power of a Shadow Pokémon (20% attack boost) and the higher IVs and lower power-up cost of a Purified one.

The Purification Formula Explained

The mechanics of purification are straightforward, which this calculator automates for you. The core changes are applied to the Pokémon’s three core stats and its level.

• IV Increase: Each IV stat (Attack, Defense, and Stamina) is increased by 2 points. The maximum for any IV is 15, so if a stat is already 14 or 15, it will cap at 15.
• Level Adjustment: A purified Pokémon’s level is automatically set to 25 if its current level is below 25. If the Pokémon is already level 25 or higher, its level does not change.
• Cost Reduction: Purified Pokémon benefit from a 10% discount on Stardust and Candy for future power-ups, evolutions, and learning a second charged move.

Formula:

New IV = Original IV + 2 (capped at 15)

Final Level = MAX(Original Level, 25)

Formula Variables

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Original IV	The Pokémon’s initial stat value for Attack, Defense, or Stamina.	Points	0 – 15
New IV	The resulting stat value after adding 2 points.	Points	2 – 15
Original Level	The Pokémon’s level when it was a Shadow.	Level	1 – 50
Final Level	The Pokémon’s guaranteed level after purification.	Level	25 – 50

Practical Examples

Example 1: Turning a Good Shadow into a Perfect Pokémon

Imagine you catch a Shadow Machop with strong, but not perfect, IVs.

• Inputs:
  • Current Attack IV: 13
  • Current Defense IV: 14
  • Current Stamina IV: 13
  • Current Level: 8
• Results:
  • New Attack IV: 15 (13 + 2)
  • New Defense IV: 15 (14 + 2, capped at 15)
  • New Stamina IV: 15 (13 + 2)
  • Final Level: 25
  • New IV Percentage: 100%
• This is a prime candidate for purification, especially if you plan to use Mega Machamp, as Shadow Pokémon cannot Mega Evolve. For more on battle strategies, see our pvp battle guide.

Example 2: A Less Obvious Choice

Consider a Shadow Dratini with mixed IVs.

• Inputs:
  • Current Attack IV: 7
  • Current Defense IV: 10
  • Current Stamina IV: 9
  • Current Level: 13
• Results:
  • New Attack IV: 9 (7 + 2)
  • New Defense IV: 12 (10 + 2)
  • New Stamina IV: 11 (9 + 2)
  • Final Level: 25
  • New IV Percentage: 71%
• In this case, the resulting Dragonite would not be exceptionally strong. Keeping it as a Shadow might be better for raids due to the 20% attack bonus, despite its frailty. To understand Stardust investment, check our stardust farming tips.

How to Use This Pokémon GO Purify Calculator

Using the calculator is simple and mirrors the in-game appraisal process.

1. Appraise Your Pokémon: In Pokémon GO, select the Shadow Pokémon and tap ‘Appraise’. Note the three bars for Attack, Defense, and HP (Stamina). Each bar represents a value out of 15.
2. Enter Current IVs: Input the values for Attack, Defense, and Stamina into the corresponding fields in the calculator.
3. Enter Current Level: Input the Pokémon’s current level. If you’re unsure, you can use an external level-checker tool or estimate based on the power-up cost.
4. Calculate: Click the “Calculate” button.
5. Review the Results: The calculator instantly displays the new IVs, the final IV percentage, and the final level your Pokémon will have upon purification. The bar chart provides a quick visual comparison of the stat gains.

Purification Costs

The Stardust and Candy required to purify a Pokémon varies by species. Knowing the purification cost is a major factor in your decision.

Common Purification Tiers

Stardust Cost	Candy Cost	Example Pokémon
1,000	1	Rattata, Zubat, Weedle, Magikarp
3,000	3	Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, Grimer, Houndour
5,000	5	Dratini, Snorlax, Machop, Larvitar, Bagon
20,000	20	Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Mewtwo (Legendaries)

Key Factors That Affect Your Decision

• The Pokémon’s Role (PvE vs. PvP): In raids (PvE), the 20% damage boost for Shadows is almost always superior, even with low IVs. In PvP, survivability matters more, so a Purified Pokémon with better defensive stats might be preferred. For analysis on top attackers, read about our raid attacker rankings.
• Potential for a 100% IV: The most common reason to purify is to get a “hundo” (100% IV Pokémon), as any Shadow with 13/13/13 IVs or higher will become perfect.
• Mega Evolution: Shadow Pokémon cannot Mega Evolve. If you want a high-IV candidate for Mega Evolution (e.g., Swampert, Tyranitar, Gardevoir), purifying is the only way. Find out more about upcoming mega evolutions.
• Stardust and Candy Cost: Purifying a legendary costs 20,000 Stardust. Is a minor IV boost worth that high cost? This calculator helps you weigh the benefit against the resource drain. A guide to candy management can help you save resources.
• The ‘Return’ Move: While often removed, the move Return has niche uses in PvP on certain Pokémon like Sableye, making purification a strategic choice.
• Aesthetic & Collection Goals: Some trainers simply prefer the look of Purified Pokémon or aim to collect as many 100% IV Pokémon as possible, making purification a personal choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Will purifying always make my Pokémon stronger?

Not necessarily. While it raises IVs, you lose the 20% Shadow Attack bonus. For raid attackers, a 0% IV Shadow Pokémon often out-damages a 100% IV non-Shadow version of the same species. “Stronger” depends on the context.

2. Can an IV go above 15 after purification?

No, 15 is the absolute maximum for any individual stat. A Pokémon with 14 Attack IV will go to 15, not 16.

3. Why doesn’t this calculator show the new CP?

A Pokémon’s CP (Combat Power) depends on its base stats (which vary by species) in addition to its IVs and level. Without knowing the specific Pokémon (e.g., Machop vs. Dratini), it’s impossible to calculate the exact new CP.

4. When is it a good idea to purify?

The best reasons are: to get a 100% IV Pokémon, to prepare a Pokémon for Mega Evolution, or for specific PvP cases where the bulk and the move ‘Return’ are advantageous (like Sableye).

5. When should I NOT purify?

Almost never purify top-tier Shadow attackers like Mewtwo, Rayquaza, Machamp, or Tyranitar if you plan to use them for raids. The 20% damage bonus is too valuable to lose.

6. Does purifying a level 30 Pokémon raise its level?

No. The level is only adjusted if the Pokémon is *below* level 25. A level 30 Shadow Pokémon will remain level 30 after purification.

7. Is a 0/0/0 Shadow better than a 15/15/15 normal Pokémon?

In terms of raw damage output for raids (PvE), yes. The 20% Shadow bonus is a multiplier applied to the Pokémon’s total attack stat, which is a far more significant boost than the 15 extra points from perfect IVs.

8. What happens to the move ‘Frustration’?

‘Frustration’ is replaced by the Normal-type Charged Move ‘Return’. Return is a decent move, but in most cases, you will want to use a Charged TM to replace it with a more optimal move for that Pokémon.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• IV Calculator: Check the IVs of any Pokémon.
• PVP Rankings: See how your purified Pokémon stacks up in Go Battle League.
• Stardust Farming Guide: Learn the best ways to farm the resources needed for purification.
• Raid Counter Guide: Find the best Pokémon to use in current raid battles.
• Legacy Move List: A comprehensive list of exclusive moves.
• Community Day Schedule: Plan for upcoming events and special moves.