Ever caught a Pokémon and wondered, “Is this secretly strong?” The answer lies in its IVs (Individual Values)—hidden stats that determine its potential. This guide covers how to check IVs, the best calculators, and pro tips to maximize your Pokémon’s power.

What Are IVs in Pokémon GO?

IVs are innate stats (0-15) for:

• Attack → Higher damage in battles.
• Defense → Reduced damage taken.
• Stamina (HP) → Longer survival.

A perfect 100% IV (15/15/15) Pokémon is the strongest version of its species.

IV Rarity Table

IV Percentage	Appraisal Star Rating
82-100%	★★★★ (4-star, perfect)
67-80%	★★★ (3-star)
51-65%	★★ (2-star)
0-50%	★ (1-star)

How to Check IVs in Pokémon GO

A. In-Game Appraisal (No Calculator Needed)

1. Open your Pokémon’s summary.
2. Tap Appraise (Team Leader will show IV ranges via bars).
3. 3 bars = 15 IVs in that stat.

B. Manual IV Calculation (For Nerds!)

Use this simplified formula to estimate IVs:

CP = (Base Stats + IVs) × Level Multiplier

• Base Stats: Species-specific (e.g., Mewtwo has high Attack).
• Level Multiplier: Increases with power-ups.

Example: A Level 30 Dragonite with 3000 CP likely has high IVs.

Best IV Calculators for Pokémon GO

Tool	Platform	Key Feature
PokeGenie	iOS/Android	Screenshot scanning, PvP rankings
Calcy IV	Android	Real-time overlay, bulk scanning
The Silph Road	Web	Manual input, raid/PvP analysis

Pro Tip: For classic Pokémon games, try a Pokémon Fire Red IV Calculator or a Pokémon EV Calculator to optimize stats in RPGs.

Advanced IV Tips

A. When Low IVs Are Better

• Great & Ultra League: A 0/15/15 Pokémon may outlast opponents by staying under CP caps.
• Trading: IVs reroll, so bad IVs can improve!

B. Shadow Pokémon & Weather Boosts

• Shadow Pokémon deal +20% damage (even with low IVs).
• Weather Boosted catches have minimum 4/4/4 IVs.

FAQs

Can IVs change?

Only via trading or purifying Shadows—otherwise, they’re permanent.

Is a 0% IV Pokémon useless?

Not always! It’s rare and may be optimal for PvP.

Ready to Check Your Pokémon?

Grab your phone, open Pokémon GO, and see if you’ve been sitting on a perfect IV monster! For more deep dives, visit The Silph Road’s IV Guide—the ultimate resource for trainers.