How to Use return in MATLAB: Syntax and Examples

In MATLAB, use the return statement to immediately exit a function and return control to the calling function or command window. Place return anywhere inside a function to stop execution at that point.

Syntax

The return statement has a simple syntax with no arguments. It is used inside a function to stop execution and return control immediately.

• return: Exits the current function immediately.

matlab

function exampleReturn()
    disp('Start of function')
    return
    disp('This line will not run')
end

Example

This example shows how return stops the function early. The message after return is not displayed.

matlab

function testReturn()
    disp('Before return')
    return
    disp('After return - will not display')
end

testReturn()

Output

Before return

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes include using return outside functions, which causes errors, or expecting return to return a value (it does not). Also, placing code after return means that code will never run.

matlab

function wrongReturn()
    disp('Start')
    return % Incorrect: return does not accept values
    disp('This will never run')
end

% Correct usage:
function correctReturn()
    disp('Start')
    return
    disp('This will never run')
end

Quick Reference

Tips for using return in MATLAB:

• Use return only inside functions.
• return stops function execution immediately.
• return does not return values; use output variables instead.
• Code after return is ignored.

Key Takeaways

Use return inside functions to exit early and stop execution.

return does not return values; use output variables for that.

Code after return will not run, so place it carefully.

Do not use return outside functions; it causes errors.