Understanding the Type Chart

The type chart is a core tool for any serious player in type-based battle games. It shows how different elemental types interact in combat: specifically, how much damage one type deals to another. Mastering this chart helps you build stronger teams and make smarter decisions in battle.

This guide will show you how to read the chart and apply it effectively.

How to Use the Weakness Calculator

Our interactive tool above serves as a complete Pokémon weakness calculator for Gen 9.

• Select Single View to switch to the calculator mode.
• Choose a Primary Type (and optionally a Secondary Type) to see its defensive profile.
• Instantly view all weaknesses (2×, 4×), resistances (0.5×, 0.25×), and immunities (0×).

This feature is perfect for checking team vulnerabilities or finding the best counter for a specific opponent in VGC or Showdown.

How to Read the Type Chart

Most type charts use a grid layout:

• Rows represent the attacking type.
• Columns represent the defending type.
• The cell where a row and column intersect shows the damage multiplier.

Example:
To see how effective a Fire-type move is against a Grass-type creature, find the Fire row and follow it to the Grass column.

What the Multipliers Mean

• 2× (Super Effective) or 4× (Extremely Effective):
  The attack deals double or quadruple damage: these are your best matchups.
• 1× (Normal Effectiveness):
  The attack deals normal damage. No advantage or disadvantage.
• 0.5× (Not Very Effective) or 0.25× (Mostly Ineffective):
  The attack is resisted. It deals half or a quarter of the usual damage. Avoid these when you can.
• 0× (Has No Effect):
  The attack is completely ineffective. The defender is immune and takes zero damage.
  (Example: Ground-type moves don’t affect Flying-type creatures.)

Even if charts vary in color or symbols, these core values stay the same.

Dual-Type Creatures: How It Gets Complicated

Many creatures have two elemental types. When attacking a dual-type target, damage is calculated by multiplying the effects of both types.

Example 1: Double Weakness

• Fire vs. Ice/Steel
• Fire is super effective against both Ice (2×) and Steel (2×)
• Total damage: 2×2 = 4×

This is called a quadruple weakness or extremely effective hit.

Example 2: Double Resistance

• Grass vs. Fire/Flying
• Grass is not very effective against Fire (0.5×)
• Grass is also not very effective against Flying (0.5×)
• Total damage: 0.5×0.5 = 0.25×

Always check both types of a dual-type creature before choosing your move. These interactions can make or break a battle: especially in competitive play.

Final Tip

Understanding type effectiveness isn’t just about memorizing numbers. It’s about making smarter decisions: whether you're building a team or making a clutch move during a tough fight.

Use the chart often. With enough practice, it’ll become second nature. Ready to test your knowledge? Go back to the Home page and start your first quiz!

Or see how you stack up on the Leaderboard.