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RBC Indices Calculator

Health

Calculate MCV, MCH, and MCHC red blood cell indices from hematocrit, hemoglobin, and RBC count. A standard CBC reference calculation, not a diagnostic tool.

Reviewed by the thecalcu.com team · Last updated July 27, 2026

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MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)

87.5
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)
29.2
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)
33.3

This calculator computes your MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin), MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) from the values you enter.

Inputs
HematocritHemoglobinRBC Count
Outputs
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration)

What is a RBC Indices?

The RBC Indices Calculator computes MCV, MCH, and MCHC from hematocrit, hemoglobin, and RBC count, three standard red blood cell indices used as a starting reference point in evaluating anemia patterns. This is a standard CBC reference calculation, not a diagnostic tool.

For a related simple ratio, see the Mentzer Index Calculator.

Why Use an RBC Indices Calculator?

These three indices each require a separate manual calculation from the same three underlying CBC values, and this calculator computes all three instantly, saving the repetitive arithmetic.

Who Should Use This Calculator?

  • Anyone reviewing their own CBC results who wants to calculate or verify these indices.
  • Students of hematology or nursing learning how MCV, MCH, and MCHC are derived.
  • Healthcare educators demonstrating the standard RBC index formulas.
  • Researchers working with complete blood count data.

What Insights Does the RBC Indices Calculator Give You?

MCV shows average red blood cell size, MCH shows average hemoglobin content per cell, and MCHC shows average hemoglobin concentration within cells, together giving a fuller picture of red blood cell characteristics than any single CBC value alone.

How to use this RBC Indices calculator

  1. Enter your hematocrit percentage.
  2. Enter your hemoglobin value in g/dL.
  3. Enter your RBC count in millions per microliter.
  4. Read the MCV, MCH, and MCHC results instantly.
  5. Discuss any specific lab results with a qualified healthcare professional for proper interpretation.
Show formula & methodology ↓Show less ↑

Formula & Methodology

MCV (fL) = (Hematocrit % ÷ RBC Count) × 10

MCH (pg) = (Hemoglobin ÷ RBC Count) × 10

MCHC (g/dL) = (Hemoglobin ÷ Hematocrit %) × 100

Worked example, hematocrit 42%, hemoglobin 14 g/dL, RBC count 4.8 million/µL:

MCV = (42 ÷ 4.8) × 10 = 87.5 fL

MCH = (14 ÷ 4.8) × 10 = 29.2 pg

MCHC = (14 ÷ 42) × 100 = 33.3 g/dL

Frequently Asked Questions

What are RBC indices?
RBC (red blood cell) indices are a set of derived values, MCV, MCH, and MCHC, calculated from a complete blood count that describe the size and hemoglobin content of red blood cells, commonly used as a starting reference point in evaluating anemia patterns.
What is MCV?
MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) describes the average size of red blood cells, calculated from hematocrit and RBC count, and expressed in femtoliters (fL).
What is MCH?
MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) describes the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell, calculated from hemoglobin and RBC count, and expressed in picograms (pg).
What is MCHC?
MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration) describes the average concentration of hemoglobin within red blood cells, calculated from hemoglobin and hematocrit, and expressed in g/dL.
Is this calculator a diagnostic tool?
No, this calculator performs the mathematical conversions only. Interpreting what specific RBC index values mean for your health requires a qualified healthcare professional reviewing your complete lab results and clinical history.
Where do I find the values needed for this calculator?
Hematocrit, hemoglobin, and RBC count are all standard components of a complete blood count (CBC), commonly reported together on routine blood test results.
How does this relate to the Mentzer Index Calculator?
The MCV calculated here can be used directly as an input for the [Mentzer Index Calculator](/mentzer-index-calculator/), which combines MCV with RBC count into a single simple ratio sometimes referenced in anemia discussions.
Why are three separate indices calculated instead of just one?
MCV, MCH, and MCHC each describe a different aspect of red blood cell characteristics, size, hemoglobin content, and hemoglobin concentration respectively, and together give a more complete picture than any single value alone.
What units do these indices use?
MCV is expressed in femtoliters (fL), MCH in picograms (pg), and MCHC in grams per deciliter (g/dL), matching standard CBC reporting conventions.
Can these formulas be applied to any complete blood count?
Yes, these are standard, widely used formulas that apply to any complete blood count report with hematocrit, hemoglobin, and RBC count values, regardless of the lab or country of origin.
Also known as
MCV MCH MCHC calculatorred blood cell indices calculatorRBC indices formulaCBC indices calculator