The IV number, or Individual Value, represents a set of hidden statistics unique to every Pokémon in Pokémon GO. This metric measures a Pokémon’s inherent strength beyond its visible Combat Power (CP) and species type. The IV system fundamentally determines how powerful a specific individual can become compared to others of the same species.
Defining the Individual Value (IV)
The IV number is shorthand for three distinct, hidden numerical values: Attack, Defense, and Hit Points (HP). Each of these three Individual Values is randomly assigned when the Pokémon is acquired, whether encountered in the wild, hatched from an Egg, or caught in a Raid Battle. These values range from 0 to a maximum of 15. A Pokémon with 15 in Attack, Defense, and HP is considered to have “perfect” IVs, representing the highest possible natural stat total. These individual numbers are permanent and cannot be changed after the Pokémon is acquired.
How IVs Influence Performance
Individual Values act as flat bonuses that are added directly to a Pokémon’s Base Stats, which are fixed values determined by the species itself. For instance, a Mewtwo will always have the same Base Attack stat, but its IVs will boost that stat by an additional 0 to 15 points. The final stat total, alongside the Pokémon’s current level, is then used in a complex calculation to determine its overall Combat Power (CP). Because the Attack IV contributes more heavily to the CP calculation than Defense or HP, two Pokémon of the same species and level can have vastly different CP totals based on their IV spread.
These numerical differences are most noticeable in high-level competitive play. For Raids and Gym Battles, players prioritize the highest possible Attack IV to maximize damage output. However, in the GO Battle League (GBL), which imposes a strict CP limit, the optimal IV strategy often reverses. A lower Attack IV combined with high Defense and HP IVs is frequently sought after in GBL. This combination allows the Pokémon to reach a higher overall level and gain more bulk from its Base Stats while staying below the CP cap.
Determining and Interpreting IVs
Players access this hidden information through the in-game Appraisal feature, which is performed by their team leader. This system provides a visual representation of the three IV components using a set of three bars, with each bar filling up in segments corresponding to the 15-point scale. The game also gives a quick star rating, where a three-star rating signifies that the Pokémon has high IVs, and a three-star rating with a red emblem indicates perfect 15/15/15 stats.
A Pokémon’s IVs are often expressed as a percentage, calculated by dividing the sum of its three IVs by the maximum possible sum of 45. While the in-game appraisal is sufficient for most players, some utilize external calculator tools to estimate the exact IV combination for fine-tuning competitive teams. The interpretation of the IV numbers is always relative to the intended use. For instance, a “perfect” IV spread for a Raid attacker differs from the ideal “rank 1” IV spread for a Great League competitor.