Pokémon GO Trading Cost Calculator

Calculate the Stardust and Candy costs for your Pokémon GO trades. Factors like friendship level, whether it’s a special trade, and if the Pokémon is new to your Pokédex influence the cost.

Trading Cost Inputs

Trade Cost Breakdown Table

This table shows the base costs and reductions based on friendship levels for standard trades (non-special, non-new Pokémon).

Friendship Level	Base Stardust Cost	Stardust Discount (%)	Base Candy Cost	Candy Discount (%)
No Friendship	10,000	0%	10	0%
Good Friends	8,000	20%	8	20%
Great Friends	7,000	30%	7	30%
Ultra Friends	800	92%	2	80%
Best Friends	400	96%	1	90%

Cost Factors Overview Chart

What is a Pokémon GO Trading Cost Calculator?

A Pokémon GO Trading Cost Calculator is an online tool designed to help players estimate the resources required to trade Pokémon within the game. Trading in Pokémon GO involves two primary resources: Stardust and Candy. The cost of a trade is not fixed; it fluctuates based on several in-game factors, making it difficult for players to remember all the permutations. This calculator simplifies the process by taking user inputs about the trade scenario and providing precise cost estimates.

This calculator is essential for any Pokémon GO player who engages in trading. Whether you’re a casual player looking to swap common Pokémon with a neighbor or a dedicated trainer aiming to secure a rare Shiny Legendary, understanding the costs upfront is crucial. It helps players manage their Stardust and Candy reserves effectively, ensuring they don’t accidentally spend more than intended.

Common misconceptions include believing that all trades cost the same, or that friendship level is the only factor. Many players are unaware of the significant impact “Special Trades” have, or the drastically reduced costs for high friendship levels. This tool aims to clarify these points.

Pokémon GO Trading Cost Formula and Mathematical Explanation

The calculation of trading costs in Pokémon GO involves a tiered system based on friendship levels, with additional modifiers for special circumstances. The core logic is as follows:

Base Costs: The game defines base costs for Stardust and Candy for a standard trade (non-special, non-new Pokémon, no friendship). These are typically 10,000 Stardust and 10 Candy.

Friendship Level Discounts: As friendship levels increase, significant discounts are applied to these base costs. These discounts are percentage-based and cumulative.

• Good Friends: 20% Stardust discount, 20% Candy discount.
• Great Friends: 30% Stardust discount, 30% Candy discount.
• Ultra Friends: 92% Stardust discount, 80% Candy discount.
• Best Friends: 96% Stardust discount, 90% Candy discount.

Special Trade Modifiers: Special Trades incur significantly higher base costs. These typically start at 20,000 Stardust and 40 Candy, but are heavily discounted by friendship levels. A key aspect is that you can only perform one Special Trade per day.

New Pokémon Modifier: Trading a Pokémon that is new to the receiver’s Pokédex also incurs a higher cost. For a non-special, non-legendary, non-shiny Pokémon that is new to the Pokédex, the Stardust cost increases significantly, especially at lower friendship levels.

Shiny & Legendary Modifiers: Shiny and Legendary Pokémon are considered Special Trades, meaning they fall under the higher base cost bracket for Special Trades. Trading a Shiny Legendary Pokémon that is also new to the Pokédex can result in the absolute highest possible Stardust cost.

Candy XL: For Pokémon already at Level 40 or above, trading them may require Candy XL. The amount depends on the Pokémon’s level post-trade, but for estimation purposes, it’s often assumed that trading a Pokémon that requires Candy XL for power-ups will incur a cost of approximately 10-20 Candy XL, especially if it’s a Best Friend trade.

Variables Table

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range / Values
Friendship Level	The current bond level between the two trading players.	Level	0 (No Friendship), 1 (Good), 2 (Great), 3 (Ultra), 4 (Best)
Is Special Trade	Indicates if the trade involves a Legendary, Shiny, or new Pokédex entry.	Boolean (Yes/No)	True / False
Is New Pokémon	Indicates if the Pokémon is not yet registered in the receiver’s Pokédex.	Boolean (Yes/No)	True / False
Is Shiny	Indicates if the Pokémon being traded is a Shiny variant.	Boolean (Yes/No)	True / False
Is Legendary	Indicates if the Pokémon being traded is a Legendary species.	Boolean (Yes/No)	True / False
Base Stardust Cost	The un-discounted Stardust cost for a standard trade.	Stardust	10,000
Special Trade Stardust Cost	The un-discounted Stardust cost for a Special Trade.	Stardust	20,000
Base Candy Cost	The un-discounted Candy cost for a standard trade.	Candy	10
Special Trade Candy Cost	The un-discounted Candy cost for a Special Trade.	Candy	40
Friendship Discount	Percentage reduction in cost based on friendship level.	%	0% to 96% (Stardust), 0% to 90% (Candy)
New Pokémon Stardust Modifier	Additional Stardust cost if the Pokémon is new to the Pokédex.	Stardust Multiplier	Varies, significantly higher at low friendship
Candy XL Cost	Candy XL required for trading high-level Pokémon.	Candy XL	Approx. 10-20 for high-level trades

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Let’s explore some common trading scenarios to see how the calculator works:

Example 1: Trading a Shiny Pokémon with a Best Friend

Scenario: Alex wants to trade a Shiny Magikarp to his Best Friend, Ben. Ben already has Shiny Magikarp registered in his Pokédex. This is considered a Special Trade because it’s Shiny.

Inputs:

• Friendship Level: Best Friends (4)
• Is this a Special Trade?: Yes (due to Shiny)
• Is this Pokémon new to your Pokédex?: No
• Is the Pokémon Shiny?: Yes
• Is the Pokémon Legendary?: No

Calculation (Simplified):

• Base Stardust Cost (Special Trade): 20,000
• Base Candy Cost (Special Trade): 40
• Best Friend Discount: 96% Stardust, 90% Candy
• Calculated Stardust Cost: 20,000 * (1 – 0.96) = 800 Stardust
• Calculated Candy Cost: 40 * (1 – 0.90) = 4 Candy
• Candy XL Cost: 0 (Magikarp doesn’t typically need XL Candy for this purpose)

Calculator Output:

• Main Result: 800 Stardust & 4 Candy
• Stardust Cost: 800
• Candy Cost: 4
• Candy XL Count: 0

Interpretation: Even though it’s a Special Trade, the Best Friend discount dramatically reduces the cost, making it highly efficient.

Example 2: Trading a Legendary Pokémon for the First Time

Scenario: Chloe wants to trade a newly caught Mewtwo (Legendary) to her Ultra Friend, David. David does not have Mewtwo registered in his Pokédex yet.

Inputs:

• Friendship Level: Ultra Friends (3)
• Is this a Special Trade?: Yes (due to Legendary AND new Pokédex entry)
• Is this Pokémon new to your Pokédex?: Yes
• Is the Pokémon Shiny?: No
• Is the Pokémon Legendary?: Yes

Calculation (Simplified):

• This is a Special Trade (Legendary) AND a New Pokémon trade. The game applies the higher cost associated with these conditions, further modified by friendship. The exact modifier for a new Legendary Pokémon trade at Ultra Friends level can be complex, but the calculator accounts for it. A standard Special Trade at Ultra Friends would be 20,000 * (1 – 0.92) = 1600 Stardust and 40 * (1 – 0.80) = 8 Candy. However, the ‘New Pokémon’ status significantly increases the base cost before discounts. Let’s assume the effective base for this scenario is much higher. The actual in-game cost is often around 16,000 Stardust and 8 Candy.
• Estimated Stardust Cost: ~16,000 Stardust
• Estimated Candy Cost: ~8 Candy
• Candy XL Cost: 0 (Mewtwo needs Candy XL for power-ups, but not for the initial trade itself unless extremely high level)

Calculator Output:

• Main Result: 16,000 Stardust & 8 Candy
• Stardust Cost: 16,000
• Candy Cost: 8
• Candy XL Count: 0

Interpretation: Trading valuable Pokémon like Legendaries, especially when they are new to the Pokédex, carries a substantial Stardust cost, even with high friendship levels. Planning these trades is essential.

How to Use This Pokémon GO Trading Cost Calculator

1. Input Friendship Level: Select your current friendship level with the person you intend to trade with from the dropdown menu (Good Friends, Great Friends, Ultra Friends, Best Friends, or No Friendship).
2. Identify Trade Type: Determine if the trade qualifies as a “Special Trade”. This applies to Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon, and Pokémon that are not yet registered in your Pokédex. Select “Yes” or “No” accordingly.
3. Check Pokédex Status: Indicate whether the specific Pokémon being traded is new to your Pokédex. Select “Yes” if you haven’t caught this species before, and “No” if it’s already registered.
4. Specify Shiny/Legendary: Use the “Is the Pokémon Shiny?” and “Is the Pokémon Legendary?” fields to accurately reflect the Pokémon’s characteristics. Note that these often determine if it’s a Special Trade, but it’s good to confirm.
5. Calculate: Click the “Calculate Costs” button. The calculator will process your inputs based on the established Pokémon GO trading mechanics.
6. Read Results: The primary result will display the most significant cost (usually Stardust). Below that, you’ll find the breakdown of Stardust cost, Candy cost, and potential Candy XL cost.
7. Interpret & Decide: Use the calculated costs to decide if the trade is worthwhile. Compare the required Stardust and Candy against your current reserves. For example, if the cost is very high, you might consider waiting to increase your friendship level or completing the Pokédex entry first if possible.
8. Reset or Copy: Use the “Reset” button to clear the form and start over. Use the “Copy Results” button to copy the calculated costs and assumptions for sharing or documentation.

Reading Results: The main result is your primary concern, usually Stardust. The intermediate values provide a clearer picture of both resources needed. Candy XL is particularly relevant for Pokémon that require it for powering up past Level 40.

Decision-Making Guidance: Always aim for higher friendship levels for trades, especially for Special Trades. If you need a Pokémon for your Pokédex, try to get it through research tasks or raids first to avoid the New Pokémon trade cost. Prioritize trading common Pokémon for candy when starting out.

Key Factors That Affect Pokémon GO Trading Costs

Several elements significantly influence the Stardust and Candy cost of trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Understanding these is key to efficient trading:

1. Friendship Level: This is arguably the most impactful factor. As your friendship level with another player increases (Good, Great, Ultra, Best), the Stardust and Candy costs decrease exponentially. Best Friends receive the largest discounts, making high-level friendships essential for cost-effective trading, especially for valuable Pokémon.
2. Special Trade Designation: Trading Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon, or Pokémon new to the receiver’s Pokédex all count as “Special Trades.” These trades have a significantly higher base cost than standard trades. Crucially, players are limited to one Special Trade per day, so planning is vital.
3. Pokédex Completion: If the Pokémon you are trading is not yet registered in the receiver’s Pokédex, it incurs a substantial Stardust cost increase. This penalty is most severe at lower friendship levels and lessens but remains significant even at higher levels. It’s often cheaper to trade Pokémon you already have registered.
4. Shiny Variants: Trading Shiny Pokémon automatically classifies the trade as a Special Trade, incurring the associated higher base costs (before friendship discounts). This makes trading Shinnies particularly expensive if not done with a Best Friend.
5. Legendary Pokémon: Similar to Shinies, trading Legendary Pokémon is a Special Trade. Their rarity and power often make players eager to trade them, but the Special Trade cost must be factored in. Trading a Legendary that is also new to the Pokédex results in one of the highest possible Stardust costs.
6. Candy XL Requirements: For Pokémon that players wish to power up beyond Level 40, Candy XL becomes necessary. While not a direct trading cost in terms of Stardust or Candy, trading high-level Pokémon that require Candy XL for further powering up can indirectly relate to resource management. Some players may factor in the potential Candy XL needed for the traded Pokémon. The act of trading itself can sometimes yield Candy XL, but the cost is associated with obtaining it for power-ups.
7. Base Cost Structure: The underlying base costs for standard trades (10,000 Stardust, 10 Candy) and Special Trades (20,000 Stardust, 40 Candy) serve as the starting point. All discounts and modifiers are applied relative to these baseline figures. Understanding these base costs helps in appreciating the magnitude of the discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the absolute cheapest way to trade a Pokémon?

The absolute cheapest way is to trade a common, non-shiny, non-legendary Pokémon that is already in your Pokédex to a Best Friend. This minimizes all potential cost increases and maximizes friendship discounts, costing only 400 Stardust and 1 Candy.

Can I do multiple Special Trades per day?

No, you are limited to one Special Trade per day per account. This applies to trades involving Legendaries, Shinies, or Pokémon new to your Pokédex.

How do I get the best friendship discount?

You need to reach the “Best Friends” level with the other player. This provides the largest discounts on both Stardust and Candy costs.

Does trading a Pokémon give me Candy XL?

Yes, trading Pokémon can yield Candy XL. The amount received depends on the level difference between the traded Pokémon and the player’s level. Trading Pokémon caught further away from each other increases the chance of getting more Candy XL.

What if I trade a Pokémon that is Shiny for me but not for the other player?

The trade is considered Special for BOTH players if EITHER player is trading a Shiny, Legendary, or new Pokédex entry. However, the cost is calculated based on the receiver’s perspective regarding Pokédex status and the base cost (Special vs. Standard). The discount is always applied based on the friendship level between the two traders.

How much Stardust does it cost to trade a NEW Legendary Pokémon to a GOOD friend?

This is a high-cost scenario. A NEW Legendary Pokémon trade is a Special Trade and also counts as a new Pokédex entry. For a Good Friend (20% discount), the base cost is significantly amplified due to being both Special and New. The cost would be substantially higher than a standard Special Trade, likely around 16,000 Stardust, though the exact multiplier can vary.

Does the Stardust cost decrease if the Pokémon is already powered up?

No, the Stardust and Candy cost of trading is determined by the Pokémon species, its Shiny/Legendary status, whether it’s new to the Pokédex, and the friendship level. The current level or power-up status of the Pokémon does not directly affect the trading cost itself, though it might influence the Candy XL considerations.

Can I trade Mythical Pokémon?

No, Mythical Pokémon cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. They are generally acquired through special research tasks or events and are not available for trading.