Pokémon GO Trading Calculator
Estimated Stardust Cost
Cost Comparison by Friendship Level
Chart updates automatically based on your selections.
What is a Pokémon GO Trading Calculator?
A Pokémon GO Trading Calculator is an essential tool for any trainer looking to manage their Stardust effectively. Trading Pokémon costs Stardust, and the amount can vary dramatically from a mere 100 to a staggering 1,000,000. This calculator helps you determine the exact Stardust cost by analyzing the three most important factors: your friendship level with the trading partner, the type of Pokémon being traded (standard, shiny, or legendary), and whether the Pokémon is a new entry in the recipient’s Pokédex. Using this tool prevents unexpected Stardust shortages and helps you plan your special trades more strategically.
Pokémon GO Trade Cost Formula and Explanation
There isn’t a single mathematical formula for trade costs. Instead, Pokémon GO uses a predefined cost matrix based on a combination of factors. The cost is fixed for each specific scenario. Think of it as a lookup table rather than a dynamic calculation.
The core variables that determine the trade cost are:
| Variable | Meaning | Unit / Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Level | The bond between two trainers. | Categorical | Good, Great, Ultra, Best |
| Pokémon Type | Whether the Pokémon is standard, shiny, or legendary. | Categorical | Standard, Special (Shiny/Legendary) |
| Pokédex Status | If the recipient has the Pokémon registered. | Boolean | Owned, New |
For more advanced strategies, consider using a pokemon go evolution calculator to decide which Pokémon are worth trading for.
Complete Stardust Cost Table
Here is the full breakdown of Stardust costs for every possible trading scenario in Pokémon GO.
| Trade Scenario | Good Friend | Great Friend | Ultra Friend | Best Friend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (Owned) | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Standard (New) | 20,000 | 16,000 | 1,600 | 800 |
| Shiny/Legendary (Owned) | 20,000 | 16,000 | 1,600 | 800 |
| Shiny/Legendary (New) | 1,000,000 | 800,000 | 80,000 | 40,000 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Trading a Common Pokémon
- Inputs: Friendship Level: Best Friend, Trade Type: Standard Pokémon, Pokédex Status: Already in Pokédex.
- Units: Not applicable, the result is a unitless Stardust cost.
- Result: 100 Stardust. This is the most common and cheapest trade.
Example 2: Trading for a New Shiny Pokémon
- Inputs: Friendship Level: Good Friend, Trade Type: Shiny or Legendary, Pokédex Status: New Pokédex Entry.
- Units: Not applicable, the result is a unitless Stardust cost.
- Result: 1,000,000 Stardust. This is the most expensive trade possible and requires careful planning. Improving your friendship level is key to reducing this cost. Check our friendship level guide for tips.
How to Use This Pokémon GO Trading Calculator
- Select Friendship Level: Choose the current friendship level between you and your trading partner from the first dropdown menu.
- Choose Trade Type: Specify if the Pokémon is a standard one or if it falls under a Special Trade (Shiny or Legendary).
- Set Pokédex Status: Indicate whether the person receiving the Pokémon already has one of that species registered in their Pokédex.
- Interpret the Results: The calculator will instantly display the Stardust cost. The bar chart also updates to show how the cost for your selected trade type changes across all friendship levels, helping you see the value of becoming Best Friends.
After finding the cost, you might want to consult a stardust farming guide to save up for expensive trades.
Key Factors That Affect Pokémon GO Trading Cost
Several variables impact the final Stardust cost of a trade. Understanding them is crucial for resource management.
- Friendship Level: The single most important factor for reducing costs. Reaching Best Friends provides a massive 96% discount on the most expensive trades compared to being Good Friends.
- Pokédex Registration: Trading for a Pokémon you don’t have is significantly more expensive. Always try to get a standard version of a Pokémon before trading for its shiny variant.
- Shiny or Legendary Status: These Pokémon are classified as “Special Trades” and have a much higher base cost than standard Pokémon.
- Special Trades Limit: You can only perform one Special Trade per day. This rule forces you to be selective about trading new shiny or legendary Pokémon.
- Trading Events: Occasionally, Pokémon GO will host events that reduce the Stardust cost for trades. Keep an eye out for these to save resources.
- Pokémon Rerolls: While not a cost factor, remember that a Pokémon’s IVs are rerolled upon trading. Higher friendship levels set a higher minimum floor for these new IVs. Before you trade, check its potential with a pokemon go pvp iv checker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Special Trade in Pokémon GO?
A Special Trade involves trading either a Legendary Pokémon, a Shiny Pokémon, or a Pokémon that is not currently in the recipient’s Pokédex. You are limited to one Special Trade per day.
How much does it cost to trade a regular Pokémon?
If both trainers already have the Pokémon registered in their Pokédex, the cost is a flat 100 Stardust, regardless of friendship level.
What is the highest possible trade cost?
The highest cost is 1,000,000 Stardust. This occurs when you trade a new Legendary or Shiny Pokémon with a Good Friend.
Does friendship level really matter for trading?
Yes, immensely. For a new shiny/legendary trade, being Best Friends reduces the cost from 1,000,000 to 40,000 Stardust—a 96% savings.
Can I trade a Pokémon back to its original owner?
No, a Pokémon can only be traded once. This is to prevent players from repeatedly re-rolling IVs for the same Pokémon.
Why can’t I trade Mew or other Mythical Pokémon?
Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi cannot be traded at all. They must be earned through their respective Special Research questlines.
Does evolving a Pokémon before trading affect the cost?
No. The cost is based on the species’ status (shiny, legendary) and Pokédex registration, not its evolutionary stage. To see if it’s worth evolving, use a pokemon go evolution calculator.
How do I check my friendship level?
Go to your Friends list in the game and select a friend. You will see a series of four hearts that indicate your current friendship level.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Enhance your Pokémon GO strategy with these complementary tools and guides:
- Pokémon GO Evolution Calculator: Find out the CP of your Pokémon after evolution.
- Shiny Checklist: Track which shiny Pokémon you have and which you’re still hunting for.
- Stardust Farming Guide: Learn the best methods for quickly accumulating Stardust.
- Pokémon GO PVP IV Checker: Analyze your Pokémon’s IVs for Great, Ultra, and Master League performance.
- Special Trade Rules: A detailed look at the regulations and limits on special trades.
- Friendship Level Guide: Actionable tips to increase your friendship levels faster.