Pokémon GO CP and HP Explained: What the Numbers Mean

Combat Power (CP) is a summary of a Pokémon's battle-related stats at its current level, while HP is the amount of damage it can take before fainting. A species does not have one fixed CP: the number depends on its base stats, individual values (IVs), and level. Moves and type matchups are not fully represented by CP, so the highest number is not automatically the best choice for every battle.

What determines CP?

Pokémon GO calculates CP from four main inputs:

• Species base stats: each species starts with different Attack, Defense, and Stamina values.
• Individual values: each Pokémon has hidden bonuses to Attack, Defense, and HP that the in-game appraisal summarizes.
• Pokémon level: powering up raises the level and usually increases both CP and HP.
• Form: regional forms, alternate forms, Mega Evolutions, and other variants can have different stats.

Why two Pokémon of the same species have different CP

Two Eevee caught at the same time can show different CP because they may be at different levels and have different IVs. A higher-CP catch may simply be at a higher level, while a lower-CP Eevee could have stronger IVs and more long-term potential after power-ups.

Use Appraise to compare IVs. The appraisal shows the relative Attack, Defense, and HP values. These values do not change when you power up or evolve that individual Pokémon.

CP is not a complete measure of battle value

Moveset, typing, opponent, battle format, and bulk can matter as much as raw CP. A Pokémon with the correct super-effective move can be more useful in a raid than a higher-CP Pokémon using an unsuitable move. In Trainer Battles, CP limits can also make a lower-level or differently weighted IV spread more desirable.

• Raids and Gyms: prioritize strong species, useful moves, type advantage, and enough level to perform efficiently.
• Great and Ultra League: stay under the league's CP cap and evaluate the whole stat distribution, not only a perfect appraisal.
• Master League: high level and strong overall stats matter because there is no standard low CP cap.

How powering up changes CP and HP

Powering up costs Stardust and Candy. At higher levels, XL Candy is also required. The game shows the CP increase before you confirm, allowing you to stop below a Trainer Battle limit or estimate the cost of a build.

Do not invest only because a Pokémon has high IVs. First check whether the species and moves are useful for the role you need. Stardust is shared across your collection, so powering up a practical counter or battle-team member usually provides more value than maximizing a Pokémon with no planned use.

What “maximum CP” actually means

A Pokémon's maximum CP is the highest value that a particular species and form can reach at the game's allowed maximum Pokémon level with a specific IV combination. A perfect-IV example reaches a different ceiling from one with lower IVs.

Maximum-CP tables can become outdated when the game changes its level cap, rebalance stats, adds forms, or adjusts mechanics. For a current decision, rely on the in-game power-up preview or a calculator that states its update date and assumptions.

Historical maximum-CP charts

The following images are preserved from the original article as a historical reference. Their numbers were created for an older Pokémon GO version and should not be treated as current maximum values.

A better way to decide which Pokémon to keep

1. Identify the role: raid attacker, Gym defender, Great League, Ultra League, Master League, collection, or evolution.
2. Check the species and form, because base stats and available moves set the practical ceiling.
3. Use appraisal to review IVs.
4. Check the moveset and whether it fits the intended role.
5. Preview power-up costs and CP before spending Stardust.
6. Keep CP caps in mind for Trainer Battles.

CP is most useful as a quick indicator of current strength. For good long-term choices, combine it with IVs, level, moves, typing, cost, and the battle format in which you plan to use the Pokémon.