How Pokemon Go CP Is Calculated
Combat Power (CP) in Pokemon Go is a numerical value that indicates how strong a Pokemon is in battle. CP is determined by three base stats (Attack, Defense, Stamina) that vary by species, three Individual Values (IVs) that make each Pokemon unique, and the Pokemon's level. Higher CP generally means better performance in gyms and raids.
Understanding the CP Formula
The CP formula is: CP = (Attack × √Defense × √Stamina × CPM²) / 10, where Attack, Defense, and Stamina include both base stats and IVs. The CP Multiplier (CPM) is a value that increases with the Pokemon's level, ranging from approximately 0.094 at level 1 to 0.79 at level 50.
IVs and Why They Matter
Individual Values (IVs) are randomly assigned when you catch a Pokemon. Each IV ranges from 0 to 15. A perfect Pokemon has 15/15/15 IVs. The IV percentage tells you how close your Pokemon is to perfection: a 100% Pokemon has 45 total IV points. IVs become more important at higher levels where the CP difference between a 0% and 100% IV Pokemon can be 10-15%.
Level Cap and XL Candy
Pokemon can be powered up to your Trainer Level + 10, capped at level 50. Powering up beyond level 40 requires XL Candy, which is earned by catching Pokemon of the same species, trading, walking your buddy, and converting regular Candy. Each power-up costs more stardust and candy as the level increases.
Pokemon Go CP by Species — Top Performers
At level 50 with perfect IVs (15/15/15), these Pokemon reach the highest CP in Pokemon Go:
- Mewtwo: 4,764 CP — Best Psychic attacker, top-tier in Master League
- Rayquaza: 4,435 CP — Best Dragon attacker with Dragon Ascent
- Kyogre: 4,274 CP — Best Water attacker, essential for Primal form
- Groudon: 4,115 CP — Best Ground attacker with Precipice Blades
- Dialga: 4,130 CP — Steel/Dragon type, Master League staple
- Dragonite: 4,292 CP — Classic Dragon attacker, easier to power up
- Metagross: 4,057 CP — Best Steel attacker with Meteor Mash
- Chandelure: 3,969 CP — Best Ghost/Fire attacker, glass cannon
Sources
- Niantic — Pokemon Go Game Master File
- The Silph Road — Pokemon Go Research Group
- Pokemon Go Hub — CP Formula and Mechanics