Pokémon GO Trade Cost Calculator
Instantly determine the Stardust required for any Pokémon trade.
Higher friendship levels grant significant Stardust discounts.
Trades involving Shiny or Legendary Pokémon are “Special Trades” and cost more.
Trading for a Pokémon not yet in the recipient’s Pokédex dramatically increases the cost.
Estimated Stardust Cost:
For a registered Shiny/Legendary trade with a Best Friend.
What is the Pokémon GO Trade Cost?
The **pokemon go trade cost calculator** helps trainers determine the amount of Stardust required to trade a Pokémon with a friend. Stardust is a valuable in-game resource, and trading costs can range from as little as 100 Stardust to as much as 1,000,000. This cost is not arbitrary; it’s determined by a specific set of factors designed to encourage building friendships and making strategic trading decisions. Understanding these factors is key to managing your Stardust efficiently.
This calculator is for anyone who wants to avoid the surprise of a massive, unexpected Stardust deduction. Whether you are planning a “Special Trade” for a rare Shiny or just swapping common Pokémon to re-roll IVs, knowing the cost upfront allows for better resource management.
Pokémon GO Trade Cost Formula and Chart
There isn’t a complex mathematical formula for trade costs. Instead, Pokémon GO uses a fixed cost chart based on three primary variables. The **pokemon go trade cost calculator** automates this lookup process. The key is how these factors combine to define the final cost.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Level | The bond between two trainers. | Tier (4 Levels) | Good, Great, Ultra, Best |
| Pokémon Type | The category of the Pokémon being traded. | Category | Standard or Special (Shiny/Legendary) |
| Pokédex Status | Whether the recipient already has the Pokémon. | Binary (Yes/No) | Registered or Unregistered |
Complete Stardust Trade Cost Chart
This table shows the exact Stardust cost for every possible trade combination. Notice the dramatic cost reduction at higher friendship levels.
| Trade Type | Good Friend | Great Friend | Ultra Friend | Best Friend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Registered) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Standard (Unregistered) | 20,000 | 16,000 | 1,600 | 800 |
| Shiny/Legendary (Registered) | 20,000 | 16,000 | 1,600 | 800 |
| Shiny/Legendary (Unregistered) | 1,000,000 | 800,000 | 80,000 | 40,000 |
Cost Comparison Chart
This chart visualizes the Stardust cost for an unregistered Shiny/Legendary trade across all friendship levels. The benefit of reaching “Best Friends” is clear.
Practical Examples
Example 1: Trading for a New Shiny
- Inputs: Friendship: Ultra Friend, Pokémon: Shiny, Pokédex: Unregistered
- Result: 80,000 Stardust
- Analysis: This is a common scenario for trainers who have found a trading partner for a coveted shiny they missed. While expensive, 80,000 Stardust is far more manageable than the 1,000,000 cost for Good Friends.
Example 2: A Standard IV Re-roll
- Inputs: Friendship: Best Friend, Pokémon: Standard, Pokédex: Registered
- Result: 100 Stardust
- Analysis: When you and a friend trade the same Pokémon species (like Machop for Machop) hoping for a Lucky Trade or better stats, the cost is minimal regardless of friendship level (as long as it’s registered for both).
How to Use This Pokémon GO Trade Cost Calculator
- Select Friendship Level: Choose your current friendship level with your trading partner from the first dropdown.
- Choose Pokémon Type: Specify if you’re trading a standard Pokémon or if it’s a “Special Trade” involving a Shiny or Legendary Pokémon.
- Set Pokédex Status: Indicate whether the person receiving the Pokémon already has it registered in their Pokédex.
- Review the Result: The calculator will instantly display the Stardust cost based on your selections. The explanation below the cost clarifies the scenario.
Key Factors That Affect Pokémon GO Trade Cost
- Friendship Level: The single most important factor for reducing costs. A Best Friend gets a 99.2% discount on registered special trades compared to a Good Friend.
- Pokédex Registration: The difference between a registered and unregistered trade is enormous. A new Pokédex entry always costs significantly more.
- Shiny or Legendary Status: Any trade involving a Shiny or a Legendary Pokémon automatically classifies as a “Special Trade,” which has a much higher base cost. You are limited to one Special Trade per day outside of events.
- Purified Pokémon: Trading a Purified Pokémon that the recipient has not owned in its purified form before also counts as a Special Trade.
- Alternate Forms: Trading for a new form of a Pokémon you already have (e.g., a costumed Pikachu or a different Unown letter) also counts as a Special Trade if that specific form is not in your Pokédex.
- Special Events: Occasionally, Pokémon GO will host events that reduce trading costs, often by 25% or 50%, or allow for more than one Special Trade per day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does a shiny trade cost with a Best Friend?
If the shiny is already registered in the recipient’s Pokédex, it costs 800 Stardust. If it’s a new, unregistered shiny, the cost is 40,000 Stardust.
What is the maximum trade cost in Pokémon GO?
The maximum cost is 1,000,000 Stardust. This occurs when two “Good Friends” trade for a Shiny or Legendary Pokémon that is not registered in the recipient’s Pokédex.
Why is the trade cost so high for me?
A high cost is almost always because the trade is for a Pokémon the recipient doesn’t have in their Pokédex (unregistered) and the friendship level between the trainers is low. Use the **pokemon go trade cost calculator** to confirm.
Do both players pay the Stardust cost?
Yes, the Stardust cost shown is deducted from both the sender and the receiver.
How many Special Trades can I do per day?
You can typically perform only one Special Trade per day. This limit can be increased during certain in-game events.
Does trading a costumed Pokémon count as a special trade?
Yes, if the specific costumed variant is not already in the recipient’s Pokédex, it counts as a Special Trade.
Is there a way to lower the stardust trade cost?
The best way is to increase your Friendship Level by sending gifts, raiding, and battling together. Waiting for a trading event with a Stardust discount is another great strategy.
Why can’t I trade a Mythical Pokémon?
Most Mythical Pokémon (like Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi) cannot be traded at all. The only exception has historically been Meltan and Melmetal.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Expand your Pokémon GO knowledge with our other guides and tools:
- Stardust Farming Guide: Learn the best methods for earning more Stardust.
- Friendship Level Guide: A deep dive into leveling up friendships quickly.
- In-Depth Special Trade Analysis: A closer look at the costs and strategies for special trades.
- The Complete Guide to Trading: Everything you need to know about the trading feature.
- IV Calculator: Check your Pokémon’s stats after a trade.
- Shiny Hunting Guide: Tips and tricks for finding rare shiny Pokémon.