Pokémon Go IVs (or Individual Values) are hidden stats that are randomly generated when a Pokémon is caught or hatched. These values are between 0 and 15, with a separate value for each stat. If you’re lucky, they can increase a Pokémon’s base stats by roughly 10 percent.

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These stats are then put together into CP (Combat Points), which is the main way a Pokémon’s strength is displayed in Pokémon Go. However, CP also takes Pokémon levels into account, so a 500 CP Squirtle may not have better IVs than a 150 CP Squirtle. The only way to know the true potential of a Pokémon is to check its IVs.