How to Create Vector in MATLAB: Syntax and Examples

In MATLAB, you create a vector by placing elements inside square brackets [] separated by spaces or commas for a row vector, or semicolons for a column vector. For example, v = [1 2 3] creates a row vector, and v = [1; 2; 3] creates a column vector.

Syntax

To create a vector in MATLAB, use square brackets []. Separate elements with spaces or commas for a row vector, and use semicolons to separate elements for a column vector.

• Row vector: v = [a b c] or v = [a, b, c]
• Column vector: v = [a; b; c]

matlab

row_vector = [1 2 3 4 5];
column_vector = [1; 2; 3; 4; 5];

Example

This example shows how to create both a row vector and a column vector, then display them.

matlab

row_vec = [10 20 30 40];
col_vec = [10; 20; 30; 40];
disp('Row vector:');
disp(row_vec);
disp('Column vector:');
disp(col_vec);

Output

Row vector:
    10    20    30    40

Column vector:
    10
    20
    30
    40

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes include mixing commas and semicolons incorrectly or forgetting to use semicolons for column vectors. Also, using parentheses () instead of square brackets [] will cause errors.

matlab

wrong_vector = (1, 2, 3); % This causes an error
correct_vector = [1, 2, 3]; % Correct way

wrong_column = [1, 2, 3]; % This is a row vector, not column
correct_column = [1; 2; 3]; % Correct column vector

Quick Reference

Vector Type	Syntax Example	Description
Row Vector	[1 2 3]	Elements separated by spaces or commas inside square brackets
Column Vector	[1; 2; 3]	Elements separated by semicolons inside square brackets
Empty Vector	[]	An empty vector with no elements

Key Takeaways

Use square brackets [] to create vectors in MATLAB.

Separate elements with spaces or commas for row vectors.

Use semicolons to separate elements for column vectors.

Parentheses () cannot be used to create vectors.

Check your separators to avoid creating the wrong vector shape.