Mana value

The mana value of an object is a number that determines the total amount of mana in its mana cost.

History
"Mana value" was originally known as "casting cost" or "total casting cost" prior to Sixth Edition. With the Sixth Edition rules changes, "casting cost" became "converted mana cost" (or "CMC" for short). The term "mana value" was introduced in Strixhaven: School of Mages. Thereafter, all cards prior to this set, have their oracle text updated to reflect this change.

Rules
undefined undefined The mana value of an object is an integer and is always greater than or equal to zero. Mana value is determined by converting the symbols of the card or spell's mana cost into numbers and calculating the sum of those numbers. Mana symbols represented by a number, including monocolored hybrid mana symbols, are converted into that number. All other mana symbols are converted into 1. Cards without a mana cost, such as lands, have a mana value of 0.

The only case in which a spell's mana value can ever vary is for spells with in the mana cost. When an object with X in the mana cost is on the stack, X equals whatever value was chosen for it when it was put on the stack. In any other zone, X equals 0.

Examples:


 * Spells with mana costs of and  each have a mana value of 1.
 * Spells with mana costs of and  each have a mana value of 3.
 * Spells with mana costs of and  each have a mana value of 5.

Cards with multiple sets of playable characteristics (split cards, adventurer spells, and modal double-faced cards (MDFCs)) may have different mana values in different zones. While on the stack, the mana value is determined by the spell that was put on the stack; in the case of fused spells, this is equal to the sum of the two halves. Split cards in any other zone have a mana value equal to the sum of the component spells. Adventurer cards in any other zone, including the battlefield, have the mana value of the creature spell. MDFCs have the mana value of the face-up side while on the battlefield, and the mana value of the front face in any other zone.

Odd or even mana cost
Some cards care about if the mana value is odd or even.



Features the reminder text: zero is even.

Cost matters

 * Scryfall search:

"Cost matters" was a theme in Scourge that encouraged players to use spells with high mana values. In addition to providing numerous creatures and other spells with mana values 6 or greater, several cards were printed that enhanced or facilitated them. This theme returned as the green-blue mechanic in Commander Legends and as the Prismari mechanic in Strixhaven: School of Mages.

Obsolete terminology
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