MTG Mana Curve Calculator: How to Build a Better Curve

This calculator works out the average mana value of your Magic: The Gathering deck from the mana values you enter, and it also shows how many cards fall into each mana-value slot so you can see the shape of your curve at a glance. You type in the mana value of each card (or a list of values), and the calculator returns the average mana value, the total number of cards, and a count of cards at each mana value from 0 up to 7+. It is a quick way to check whether your deck is too top-heavy, too lean, or balanced for the game plan you have in mind.

Formula

The average mana value (often called the curve’s “height”) is the sum of all mana values in your deck divided by the number of cards. In symbols:

Average mana value = (v1 + v2 + … + vn) / n

where v1, v2, … vn are the mana values of each card in your deck (lands count as 0) and n is the total number of cards. The calculator also counts how many cards have each mana value — that count is simply the number of entries equal to that value.

Worked Example

Using the default list of ten mana values: 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7.

1. Add them: 1 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 = 37.
2. Divide by the number of cards (10): 37 / 10 = 3.7.
3. The average mana value is 3.7, rounded to 2 decimal places.
4. Counts: one card at 1, two at 2, two at 3, two at 4, one at 5, one at 6, one at 7+.

The calculator shows the average as 3.70 and the counts as 1, 2, 2, 2, 1, 1, 1 for values 0 through 7+ (with 0 count being 0).

What the Mana Curve Tells You

The mana curve is the distribution of mana values across your deck. A typical curve has a peak at 2 or 3 mana, with fewer cards at 1 and at high costs. The shape determines how consistently you can play spells on early turns and how well you can use your mana in the mid-game. A deck with a low average (around 2.0–2.5) tends to be aggressive, while a deck with an average above 3.5 is usually slower and more controlling. The calculator helps you see that shape numerically.

How to Use the Calculator for Deckbuilding

Enter the mana value of every non-land card in your deck. Lands have a mana value of 0, so you can include them if you want, but most players only enter spells. Then look at the counts:

• If you have very few 1- and 2-cost cards, you may struggle to play anything on turns 1–2.
• If you have a huge clump at 5–7, you might get stuck with unplayable hands.
• If your average is below 2.0, you may run out of gas late in the game.

Compare your curve to the typical curve of your deck’s archetype (aggro, midrange, control, combo). The calculator gives you a concrete number to compare, not just a vague feel.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

A frequent error is forgetting that lands count as 0 in the average. If you include 24 lands in a 60-card deck, the average will drop significantly compared to only counting spells. Another mistake is using converted mana cost (CMC) instead of mana value — they are the same thing, but some older cards have special costs that are not simply their printed number. Also, the average alone does not tell you about your early-game consistency; two decks can have the same average but very different curves. Finally, do not confuse the mana curve with your land count — the curve is about spell costs, not how many lands you play.

Limits of the Formula

The average mana value is a simple arithmetic mean, so it treats every card equally. It does not account for cards that cost less in practice (like those with convoke or delve), nor does it consider the color requirements of your spells. It also ignores the fact that you draw cards over time, so a high average may be fine if you have card draw or ramp. The calculator is a starting point, not a full deck analysis tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good average mana value for a deck?

For a typical 60-card constructed deck, an average around 2.5–3.0 is common. Aggro decks often sit at 2.0–2.5, midrange around 3.0–3.5, and control decks may go above 3.5. Commander decks tend to have higher averages, often 3.5–4.5, because games last longer and ramp is more available.

Should I include lands in the mana curve calculation?

It depends on what you want to measure. If you want the average mana value of your spells, exclude lands. If you want the average of your entire deck, include lands as 0. Most deckbuilding tools exclude lands, but the calculator lets you do either.

How many cards should I have at each mana value?

There is no universal answer, but a common guideline for a 60-card deck is: 8–12 one-drops, 10–14 two-drops, 8–12 three-drops, 4–6 four-drops, and 2–4 five-plus drops. Adjust based on your strategy and mana ramp.

Does the mana curve matter in Limited (draft/sealed)?

Yes, but less strictly. In Limited, you work with what you open, so you aim for a playable curve rather than an ideal one. A curve with a few early plays and a few finishers is usually better than a pile of expensive cards.

What is the difference between mana value and converted mana cost?

They are the same thing. Wizards of the Coast renamed “converted mana cost” to “mana value” in 2021, but the number is identical: the total amount of mana in the card’s cost, regardless of color.

Can I use this calculator for Commander decks?

Yes. Enter the 99 cards (excluding your commander) or include the commander if you wish. Commander decks have a higher average because games are longer and you have access to more mana rocks and ramp spells.

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in list | Card mana values | 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7 | 10
out avg | Average mana value | - | mean(list) | 2
out total | Total cards | - | count(list) | 0
out c0 | Cards at 0 | - | count(list[list=0]) | 0
out c1 | Cards at 1 | - | count(list[list=1]) | 0
out c2 | Cards at 2 | - | count(list[list=2]) | 0
out c3 | Cards at 3 | - | count(list[list=3]) | 0
out c4 | Cards at 4 | - | count(list[list=4]) | 0
out c5 | Cards at 5 | - | count(list[list=5]) | 0
out c6 | Cards at 6 | - | count(list[list=6]) | 0
out c7 | Cards at 7+ | - | count(list[list>=7]) | 0