Hidden Power Calculator

⚙️ How Hidden Power Works: The Mechanics Explained

Understanding how Hidden Power works begins with a fundamental grasp of IVs. Each Pokémon has six IVs corresponding to HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These IVs range from 0 to 31 and are hidden from the player unless revealed through external tools or in-game hints. What makes Hidden Power special is that it uses the binary representation of these IVs to determine both the move’s type and base power (pre-Gen VI).

The Hidden Power type is calculated using the least significant bit (LSB) of each IV, i.e., whether the IV is odd or even. These values are combined using a weighted sum to produce a type index from 0 to 15, each corresponding to one of 16 different types (excluding Fairy and Normal). The base power, on the other hand, is determined by the next bit in each IV (the second least significant bit), resulting in a power between 30 and 70 in Generations III to V.

For players aiming to use Hidden Power effectively, this binary system can seem daunting. However, with tools like the Hidden Power Calculator, you can instantly determine your Pokémon’s Hidden Power type and power based on their IVs. This makes it far easier to plan breeding, training, and battle strategies around this versatile move.

🎯 Hidden Power Type Determination

Determining the type of Hidden Power involves a specific formula that uses the last binary digit (LSB) of each IV. These digits are then assigned weights and summed to generate a type value between 0 and 15. Each result maps to a specific type, excluding Normal and Fairy. Here’s how it works:

Hidden Power Type Formula:

Where:

• a = HP IV mod 2

• b = Attack IV mod 2

• c = Defense IV mod 2

• d = Sp. Atk IV mod 2

• e = Sp. Def IV mod 2

• f = Speed IV mod 2

This formula outputs a number from 0 to 15. Each result corresponds to a type using the following type chart:

With this structure, players can intentionally aim for certain Hidden Power types by manipulating their IVs through breeding or training. Using Hidden Power Calculator, this entire process is simplified and instant.

🔋 Hidden Power Base Power Calculation

The base power of Hidden Power is another critical aspect that varies by generation. In Generations II through V, the base power is calculated using the second least significant bit of each IV (essentially IV % 4 / 2). This adds another layer of complexity to determining the move’s final output. Here’s the formula for Generations III–V:

Base Power Formula (Gen III–V):

Where:

• x = HP mod 4 divided by 2

• y = Attack mod 4 divided by 2

• z = Defense mod 4 divided by 2

• w = Sp. Atk mod 4 divided by 2

• v = Sp. Def mod 4 divided by 2

• u = Speed mod 4 divided by 2

This produces a value between 30 and 70. In Generation VI and later, the base power is fixed at 60, simplifying the strategy slightly but still allowing for Hidden Power to be useful in type coverage.

Even if you’re aiming for high-power Hidden Power or just looking for the right type, tools like the Hidden Power Calculator make it significantly easier to understand what you’re working with. By entering your IVs, the calculator automatically performs this formula, giving you instant insight into both the type and power of your Pokémon’s Hidden Power.

📚 Hidden Power Calculation Formulas (with Examples)

Understanding the formulas behind Hidden Power is essential for trainers who want to customize their Pokémon for maximum effectiveness. While the formulas may look intimidating at first, they become manageable when broken down. Hidden Power’s type and base power are calculated independently based on different aspects of a Pokémon’s IVs.

Type Formula Recap:

Where a–f represent the parity (even or odd) of each stat’s IV (HP, Atk, Def, SpA, SpD, Spe). This value ranges from 0 to 15 and maps to a specific type, such as Ice, Fire, or Fighting.

Base Power Formula (Gen 3–5):

Here, x–u are derived from (IV mod 4) ÷ 2, extracting the second least significant bit from each IV.

Example Calculation:

Let’s say your Pokémon has the following IVs:

• HP: 31, Atk: 30, Def: 31, SpA: 30, SpD: 30, Spe: 31

Type bits (LSB):
HP (1), Atk (0), Def (1), SpA (0), SpD (0), Spe (1) → Binary: 101001
Converted to decimal: 1 + 0 + 4 + 0 + 0 + 32 = 37
Type = floor((37 × 15) / 63) = floor(555 / 63) = 8 → Fire

Base power bits:
HP (1), Atk (1), Def (1), SpA (1), SpD (1), Spe (1) → Binary total: 1 + 2 + 4 + 8 + 16 + 32 = 63
Power = floor((63 × 40) / 63) + 30 = 40 + 30 = 70

Thus, this Pokémon has Hidden Power Fire with base power 70, making it highly viable in Gen 3–5. With the Hidden Power Calculator tool on our website, you can calculate this instantly by entering your IVs without manually doing the math.

🧠 Generation Differences in Hidden Power

Hidden Power mechanics have undergone multiple changes throughout the generations, affecting both how the move functions and its viability in competitive play. While the fundamental concept of IV-based typing remains, the base power and overall strategy around Hidden Power have shifted significantly with each game generation.

Generation II (Gold/Silver/Crystal):

Hidden Power was first introduced with a base power ranging between 31 and 70. The formula used was different from later games, and the typing was also determined through a less sophisticated method. Notably, in Gen II, some types were not accessible via Hidden Power. The move also functioned as a physical or special attack depending on the type, following the old physical/special split based on type instead of move category.

Generations III–V (RSE to BW2):

This era introduced the bit-based formula still referenced today, allowing for more precise control over Hidden Power’s type and power using IVs. Types like Ice, Fire, Ground, and Fighting became more popular due to their strategic applications. Power was calculated using a 30–70 range, making high-powered Hidden Power moves a viable option for sweeping or coverage.

Generation VI (XY and ORAS):

The base power of Hidden Power was fixed at 60, simplifying the competitive scene. While this removed some nuance, it allowed more predictability and balance. Despite the lower maximum power, Hidden Power still remained relevant for coverage, especially on special attackers needing a diverse movepool.

Generation VIII Onward:

Hidden Power was removed from Pokémon Sword and Shield entirely. Its absence marked a significant shift in team building and forced players to find alternative coverage options. The move remains accessible only in older games or through legacy formats like Pokémon Showdown or Pokémon Home transfers.

Using our Hidden Power Calculator, players across all generations (Gen 2–6) can check compatibility and plan their teams accordingly, despite generational mechanics changes.

🏆 Competitive Use of Hidden Power

Hidden Power has played a pivotal role in competitive Pokémon battles for decades. Its versatility stems from its ability to provide unexpected type coverage, allowing Pokémon to counter threats they normally wouldn’t be able to touch. In metagames with limited move pools or type restrictions, Hidden Power often became a default move for enhancing offensive capabilities.

For example, Hidden Power Ice has historically been the most popular variant, especially for Electric-type Pokémon like Jolteon or Zapdos, who struggle against Ground-types. By equipping HP Ice, they could eliminate these threats with ease. Similarly, Hidden Power Fire was used on Pokémon like Latios, Magnezone, or Celebi to deal with Steel-types like Scizor or Ferrothorn.

Strategic Examples:

• Jolteon with HP Ice: Can eliminate Landorus-T and Gliscor, common Ground-types that would wall it otherwise.

• Magnezone with HP Fire: Used to trap and KO Steel-types like Scizor and Skarmory.

• Latios with HP Fire/Ice: Provides broader coverage, depending on team structure.

The key to using Hidden Power competitively is precise IV manipulation. A miscalculated IV spread can shift your Hidden Power type or reduce its power in Generations III–V, making your strategy fall flat. That’s why the Hidden Power Calculator on our website is essential for serious trainers, it provides the exact type and power based on your current IVs, allowing you to fine-tune your team down to the stat.

Despite being removed in later generations, Hidden Power is still commonly seen in formats like Gen 5 OU, Gen 6 OU, and VGC formats using older game rules, preserving its competitive legacy.

🧪 Breeding and IV Manipulation for Hidden Power

Breeding for a specific Hidden Power type is one of the more advanced aspects of Pokémon training. Because the type is determined by whether each IV is odd or even, breeders must aim for precise parity in multiple stats, a process that requires patience, planning, and the right breeding tools. Players also need to consider nature, ability, and egg moves, which complicates the process further.

In Generations VI and VII, players gained access to Destiny Knot, Power Items, and the Judge Function, which made IV breeding much more accessible. By using Destiny Knot, breeders could pass down five of twelve IVs from the parents, increasing the chance of inheriting desired combinations. Power Items (such as Power Anklet or Power Bracer) help ensure a specific IV is inherited, making Hidden Power breeding more predictable.

Tips for Breeding Hidden Power Types:

• Use IV calculators to determine your Pokémon’s current IVs.

• Pair Pokémon with complementary IVs to increase type-specific results.

• Use Everstone to pass down nature for synergy with the Hidden Power type.

• Breed in Friend Safari or Ditto Farms (in Gen VI) for higher IV yields.

Despite being removed in Gen VIII and IX, Hidden Power breeding remains crucial in legacy formats and competitive battles that allow Pokémon from earlier generations. With our Hidden Power Calculator, you can test potential breeding outcomes before you even begin the process, saving time, effort, and resources.

🧩 Popular Hidden Power Types and Their Uses

While Hidden Power can technically take on most types, only a few stand out in competitive play due to their strategic value and coverage potential. Not all types are equally effective when used as Hidden Power, so advanced players focus on just a handful of key types that complement specific Pokémon roles.

Hidden Power Ice is one of the most popular because it lets Electric-types, such as Jolteon or Thundurus, counter Ground-types like Gliscor, Landorus-T, or Garchomp, types they would otherwise be weak against. Hidden Power Fire is essential for Pokémon needing to check Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Scizor, or Forretress. Pokémon like Magnezone or Latios often carry HP Fire specifically for this purpose.

Hidden Power Ground is effective for Pokémon that want to surprise Fire, Steel, or Electric-types. Volcarona commonly uses HP Ground to deal with Heatran or other Steel-types that wall it. Hidden Power Fighting can hit Normal- or Rock-types hard, and is sometimes used on Espeon or Alakazam to cover Tyranitar or Blissey. Hidden Power Electric is favored on Water-types like Suicune or Manaphy to check opposing Flying-types like Gyarados.

These optimized types appear frequently in competitive team builds. Using our Hidden Power Calculator, available on CalcViva, you can instantly find which of these types your Pokémon can access based on its IV spread.

👥 Notable Pokémon That Commonly Use Hidden Power

Several Pokémon have historically relied on Hidden Power to round out their movepools and gain critical matchup advantages. Due to movepool limitations or strategic versatility, these Pokémon often used Hidden Power to cover weaknesses or eliminate their primary counters.

One iconic user is Jolteon, which almost always carried Hidden Power Ice in Generations III–V. This allowed Jolteon to break through Ground-types like Gliscor and Flygon that would otherwise wall it. Magnezone, known for its Steel-trapping utility, frequently uses Hidden Power Fire to destroy opposing Steel-types such as Ferrothorn or Skarmory after trapping them with Magnet Pull.

Latios is another popular user of Hidden Power. In Gen IV and V, Latios often used Hidden Power Fire or Ice, depending on team needs, either to melt through Steel-types or to hit Dragons and Grounds like Salamence or Garchomp. Volcarona, a strong special sweeper, regularly uses Hidden Power Ground to break past Fire-resistant Steel-types like Heatran that resist its main STAB moves.

These use cases illustrate how vital Hidden Power can be in high-level matches. With our calculator at CalcViva, players can replicate these setups by finding the right IV combinations needed for these specific Hidden Power types.

🧪 Breeding and IV Manipulation for Hidden Power

Creating the perfect Hidden Power Pokémon through breeding is a challenging but rewarding task. Since the move’s type depends on whether each individual stat IV is odd or even, you must carefully manipulate breeding combinations to reach the exact parity needed. This makes IV breeding for Hidden Power one of the most complex and nuanced aspects of competitive Pokémon training.

To start, breeders commonly use Power Items (such as Power Anklet or Power Lens) to force the inheritance of specific IVs. Coupled with a Destiny Knot, which passes down five random IVs from both parents, this setup greatly increases your chances of breeding a desirable IV spread. For example, if you’re breeding for Hidden Power Ice, you’ll need a mix of even and odd IVs in specific stats, which can take multiple attempts to perfect.

In older generations, players sometimes resorted to RNG abuse to set desired IVs more reliably. Today, with modern tools and calculators like the one at CalcViva, players can input their existing Pokémon’s IVs and get real-time feedback on whether the current spread produces the Hidden Power type they want. This process dramatically simplifies planning, making advanced breeding strategies accessible to any dedicated trainer.

🛠️ Hidden Power Calculator Tool

The Hidden Power Calculator available at CalcViva is an essential tool for anyone serious about team building or competitive battling. This advanced online calculator lets players input a Pokémon’s individual values (IVs) to instantly determine the type and, where applicable, the base power of the move Hidden Power. Whether you’re preparing for a battle, breeding, or theory-crafting, this calculator removes the guesswork entirely.

🖩 How to Use the Hidden Power Calculator

To use our tool, simply enter the six IVs (HP, Attack, Defense, Sp. Atk, Sp. Def, Speed). Once the values are submitted, the calculator immediately analyzes your spread and displays the resulting Hidden Power type. For games in Generations II through V, it also provides the exact base power using the proper formula.

But it doesn’t stop there. Our calculator goes further by offering strategic recommendations based on your result. For example, if your IVs result in Hidden Power Ice, the tool may suggest its effectiveness against Dragon and Ground-types, depending on the Pokémon you’re planning to use it on.

💡 Features of Our Calculator

• Real-time calculation: Instant results with no page reloads.

• Type effectiveness breakdown: Know what threats your Hidden Power can hit.

• Printable results: For easy team planning or record-keeping.

• Generation compatibility: Supports mechanics from Gen II through VI.

• Strategy insights: Includes tips on which Pokémon typically benefit from each Hidden Power type.

This is the only tool you need when planning your team’s Hidden Power coverage.

📊 Reference Charts for Hidden Power

Having access to reference charts while planning Hidden Power can save time and prevent errors in breeding and team construction. Below are two essential tables: one for type index values (used in type determination) and another for type effectiveness, helping trainers quickly understand matchup advantages.

🧾 Type Index Table (0–15 Mapping)

This table shows how the formula output for type determination maps to specific Pokémon types. Use this as a quick lookup after calculating your type index.

📈 Type Effectiveness Overview

To maximize Hidden Power’s usefulness, you need to understand which types it’s strong or weak against. Here’s a general summary:

Refer to these tables during competitive team planning to ensure your Hidden Power type is complementing your team’s offensive strategy effectively. You can also find these built into the Hidden Power Calculator on CalcViva for quick reference during real-time analysis.

⚠️ Important Notes, Trivia & Limitations

Despite its long-standing utility, Hidden Power has several quirks and limitations that many players overlook. First and foremost, Hidden Power can never be Normal or Fairy-type due to how the type index is calculated. This means you’ll always end up with one of the 16 types listed in the type index chart.

In Generation VI, Hidden Power’s base power was standardized to 60, making IV planning slightly easier but reducing variability. However, Hidden Power was removed entirely in Generation VIII (Sword and Shield) and remains unavailable in mainline games up through Scarlet and Violet. This limits its use to older generations or transfer-compatible formats like Pokémon Home.

Interestingly, a Pokémon with perfect 31 IVs across all stats will always have Hidden Power Dark, and its base power will be maximum only if the second bits align. Conversely, some types like Fighting or Dragon require very specific and hard-to-breed IV spreads due to how rare their combinations are.

These quirks make using a tool like the Hidden Power Calculator from CalcViva essential. It allows players to plan with precision and avoid wasting hours breeding for impossible or sub-optimal Hidden Power types.