How to Use Zeros in MATLAB: Syntax and Examples

In MATLAB, use the zeros function to create arrays filled with zeros. You specify the size as input, like zeros(3,4) for a 3-by-4 matrix of zeros.

Syntax

The zeros function creates an array of zeros with the specified size.

• zeros(n): Creates an n-by-n square matrix of zeros.
• zeros(m,n): Creates an m-by-n matrix of zeros.
• zeros([d1 d2 ... dn]): Creates an n-dimensional array of zeros with dimensions d1, d2, ..., dn.

matlab

Z1 = zeros(3);
Z2 = zeros(2,4);
Z3 = zeros([2 3 4]);

Output

Z1 =
     0     0     0
     0     0     0
     0     0     0

Z2 =
     0     0     0     0
     0     0     0     0

Z3 is a 2x3x4 array of zeros

Example

This example shows how to create a 3-by-5 matrix of zeros and display it.

matlab

A = zeros(3,5);
disp(A);

Output

     0     0     0     0     0
     0     0     0     0     0
     0     0     0     0     0

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when using zeros include:

• Using non-integer or negative sizes, which causes errors.
• Confusing zeros(n) with zeros(1,n) — the first creates an n-by-n matrix, the second a 1-by-n row vector.
• Forgetting to specify size as a vector for multi-dimensional arrays.

matlab

wrong = zeros(3.5,4); % Causes error
correct = zeros(3,4); % Correct usage

Output

Error using zeros
Size inputs must be integers.

correct =
     0     0     0     0
     0     0     0     0
     0     0     0     0

Quick Reference

Summary tips for using zeros:

• Use integer sizes only.
• Specify size as separate arguments or a size vector.
• Use zeros(n) for square matrices.
• Use zeros(m,n) for rectangular matrices.
• Use zeros([d1 d2 ... dn]) for multi-dimensional arrays.

Key Takeaways

Use the zeros function with size arguments to create arrays filled with zeros.

Specify sizes as integers; non-integers cause errors.

zeros(n) creates an n-by-n matrix, zeros(m,n) creates an m-by-n matrix.

For multi-dimensional arrays, pass a size vector like zeros([d1 d2 ... dn]).

Remember the difference between zeros(n) and zeros(1,n) for matrix vs vector.