diff --git a/target/riscv/vector_helper.c b/target/riscv/vector_helper.c
index cfacf2ebba..4d06754826 100644
--- a/target/riscv/vector_helper.c
+++ b/target/riscv/vector_helper.c
@@ -43,9 +43,9 @@ target_ulong HELPER(vsetvl)(CPURISCVState *env, target_ulong s1,
                                             xlen - 1 - R_VTYPE_RESERVED_SHIFT);
 
     if (lmul & 4) {
-        /* Fractional LMUL. */
+        /* Fractional LMUL - check LMUL * VLEN >= SEW */
         if (lmul == 4 ||
-            cpu->cfg.elen >> (8 - lmul) < sew) {
+            cpu->cfg.vlen >> (8 - lmul) < sew) {
             vill = true;
         }
     }