How do Pokémon type matchups work?

Read the attack, then the target

The type of the move matters here, not just the type of the Pokémon using it. A Water-type Pokémon using an Ice-type attack is making an Ice-type matchup. That distinction is why teaching coverage moves can help a team deal with opponents its usual attacks struggle against.

In the standard modern main-series chart, a super-effective matchup multiplies damage by two, a resisted matchup halves it and an immunity makes the attack do no damage. Neutral means the type comparison contributes a multiplier of one. Base power, attacking and defensive stats, levels and other battle effects still matter.

Work through a simple example

Water into a pure Fire-type target is super effective. Water into a pure Grass-type target is resisted. Neither result is a promise about an exact amount of HP: a weak move from a low-level attacker can still do less damage than a strong neutral attack from a much stronger one.

The same relationship is not automatically true in reverse. Learning that Ground attacks do not affect Flying targets does not tell you how Flying attacks perform against Ground targets. Read the chart in the direction of the attack.

Use the correct chart

Older generations have differences, including types that did not yet exist. Our matchup checker lets you choose a generation so a modern chart is not silently applied to an older game.

Pokémon GO uses different effectiveness multipliers, and Pokémon TCG cards print their own Weakness and Resistance. Neither should be calculated with the console checker. Abilities and temporary battle effects can also change whether a move connects.

Before a difficult fight, check the move you intend to use, the target’s complete typing and any relevant Ability. That is more useful than memorizing that one species is usually weak to a certain color of attack.