How to Add xlabel and ylabel in MATLAB Plots

In MATLAB, you add labels to the x-axis and y-axis of a plot using the xlabel and ylabel functions. Simply call xlabel('Your X Label') and ylabel('Your Y Label') after plotting your data to set the axis labels.

Syntax

The basic syntax to add labels to your plot axes in MATLAB is:

• xlabel('text'): Adds a label to the x-axis.
• ylabel('text'): Adds a label to the y-axis.

Replace 'text' with the string you want to display as the label.

matlab

xlabel('X-axis label')
ylabel('Y-axis label')

Example

This example shows how to plot a simple line and add labels to both axes for clarity.

matlab

x = 1:10;
y = x.^2;
plot(x, y)
xlabel('Input Value')
ylabel('Squared Value')

Output

A plot window opens showing a curve with 'Input Value' labeled on the x-axis and 'Squared Value' labeled on the y-axis.

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding axis labels include:

• Forgetting to call xlabel or ylabel after plotting, so labels do not appear.
• Using incorrect syntax like missing quotes around the label text.
• Overwriting the plot after labeling without reapplying labels.

Always add labels after the plot command and use quotes around label text.

matlab

plot(1:5, (1:5).^2)
xlabel('X-axis')  % Corrected: added quotes
ylabel('Y-axis')

% Correct way:
plot(1:5, (1:5).^2)
xlabel('X-axis')
ylabel('Y-axis')

Quick Reference

Here is a quick summary of how to add axis labels in MATLAB:

Function	Purpose	Example
xlabel('text')	Sets label for x-axis	xlabel('Time (s)')
ylabel('text')	Sets label for y-axis	ylabel('Amplitude')

Key Takeaways

Use xlabel('text') and ylabel('text') to add axis labels in MATLAB plots.

Always call these functions after plotting your data to see the labels.

Put the label text inside single quotes to avoid syntax errors.

Check your plot window to confirm labels appear as expected.