Trading is one of the most powerful features in Pokémon GO, allowing trainers to complete their Pokédex, hunt for Lucky Pokémon, and optimize their battle rosters. However, the Stardust cost can be prohibitive if you don't plan ahead. Use our interactive calculator below to determine exactly how much Stardust your next trade will cost.
Understanding Stardust Costs in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, trading isn't free. Every time you swap a Pokémon with a friend, both players must pay a Stardust fee. This fee varies wildly based on two primary factors: your Friendship Level and the rarity of the Pokémon being traded.
Friendship Levels
The higher your friendship level, the lower the Stardust cost. There are four main levels:
- Good Friend: Achieved after 1 day of interaction. High costs for special trades.
- Great Friend: Achieved after 7 days. Provides a small discount.
- Ultra Friend: Achieved after 30 days. Significant discount (up to 92% off for unregistered special trades).
- Best Friend: Achieved after 90 days. The lowest possible costs.
Special Trades vs. Standard Trades
A "Special Trade" includes Legendaries, Shinies, and Pokémon not already in your Pokédex. You are limited to one Special Trade per day (though Niantic often increases this during special events). Standard trades, involving Pokémon both players already own, are much cheaper and can be performed up to 100 times a day.
Trade Cost Reference Table
If you prefer a quick glance at the numbers, here is the breakdown of the most common trade scenarios:
| Friendship | Standard | Shiny/Leg (Reg) | Shiny/Leg (Unreg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | 100 | 20,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Great | 100 | 16,000 | 800,000 |
| Ultra | 60 | 1,600 | 80,000 |
| Best | 40 | 800 | 40,000 |
Tips for Saving Stardust
Stardust is the most valuable resource in the game. Here is how you can optimize your spending:
- Wait for Ultra/Best Friends: Never trade an unregistered Shiny or Legendary with a Good Friend unless it's an emergency. Waiting 30 to 90 days can save you over 900,000 Stardust.
- Registered Trades: If you already have a Shiny version of a Pokémon, trading for another one counts as a "Registered" trade, which is significantly cheaper.
- Lucky Friends: Once you reach Best Friend status, your first interaction each day has a chance to make you "Lucky Friends." Your next trade will be guaranteed to result in Lucky Pokémon (12/12/12 minimum IVs and 50% less Stardust to power up).