How to create a matrix in LaTeX

We can create a matrix in LaTeX using the array environment, or simplematrix, matrix, pmatrix, bmatrix, vmatrix, and Vmatrix environments via amsmath package. This article provides some examples on how to create a matrix in LaTeX.

Creating a matrix with array

Here are some examples.

1. unbracketed matrix
   
   
   \[
   M =
   \begin{array}{cc}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{array}
   \]
2. matrix surrounded by square brackets
   
   
   \[
   M =
   \left[ {\begin{array}{cc}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{array} } \right]
   \]
3. matrix surrounded by parentheses
   
   
   \[
   M =
   \left( {\begin{array}{cc}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{array} } \right)
   \]
4. matrix surrounded by single vertical lines
   
   
   \[
   M =
   \left| {\begin{array}{cc}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{array} } \right|
   \]

Using amsmath package

Call \usepackage{amsmath} in the preamble, after documentclass{}.

The amsmath package environment for matrix:

1. smallmatrix: inline matrix
   
   
   
   $M = \begin{smallmatrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{smallmatrix}$
   
   $M = \left( \begin{smallmatrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{smallmatrix}\right)$
2. matrix: unbracketed matrix
   
   $M = \begin{matrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{matrix}$


3. pmatrix: matrix surrounded by parentheses
   
   $M = \begin{pmatrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{pmatrix}$
4. bmatrix: matrix surrounded by square brackets
   
   $M = \begin{bmatrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{bmatrix}$
5. vmatrix: matrix surrounded by single vertical lines
   
   $M = \begin{vmatrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{vmatrix}$
6. Vmatrix: matrix surrounded by double vertical lines
   
   
   $M = \begin{Vmatrix}
   x & y \\
   z & w
   \end{Vmatrix}$