Linear Transformation Matrix Calculator

Enter transformation matrix and apply it instantly here. See inverse and determinant when square matrices. Download clean results as CSV or PDF anytime today.

Calculator

Output rows.
Input vector length.
Each column is one vector.
Uses C = B × A, then Y = C × X.

Matrix A (m×n)

Input X (n×k)

Columns are vectors x₁..xₖ.

Example data

Example uses a 2×2 rotation-like transform and two input vectors.

A (2×2)
0-1
10
X (2×2)
2-1
34
Y = A×X (2×2)
-3-4
2-1

Formula used

A linear transformation maps input vectors using matrix multiplication. If A is m×n and X contains k vectors as columns (n×k), then the output is:

Y = A × X
Each entry: yᵢⱼ = Σₜ aᵢₜ · xₜⱼ

When composition is enabled, the calculator uses C = B × A first, then Y = C × X. For square effective matrices, determinant and inverse are computed using row operations.


How to use

  1. Select matrix size for A and number of input vectors k.
  2. Fill A entries and the X column vectors.
  3. Optional: enable composition and enter B dimensions and values.
  4. Click Calculate to view results above the form.
  5. Use download buttons to export CSV or PDF.

Understanding Linear Transformations

A linear transformation converts vectors to new vectors using fixed coefficients. In this calculator, those coefficients are stored in matrix A. Because the mapping is linear, superposition holds: A(u+v)=Au+Av and A(cu)=cAu. When you enter several input vectors, they are arranged as columns in matrix X. The output matrix Y contains transformed vectors as columns, computed in one consistent operation for speed and repeatability.

Matrix Dimensions and Compatibility

Dimension control prevents incorrect multiplication. If A is m×n, every input vector must have length n, so X is n×k. The result Y is m×k. Each entry follows yᵢⱼ = Σₜ aᵢₜ xₜⱼ, so a single wrong dimension changes the meaning, not just the size. Set k>1 to batch-test scenarios like basis vectors, sample points, or multiple parameter sets.

Determinant, Area Scaling, and Invertibility

For square effective matrices, the determinant summarizes geometric scaling. A determinant of 2 doubles oriented area in 2D; −1 flips orientation while preserving area; 0 collapses space onto a lower dimension. In 3D, |det| scales volume; in nD, it scales hypervolume. The calculator attempts an inverse using row operations with pivoting for stability. If inversion fails or det ≈ 0, the mapping is not one‑to‑one, so some outputs cannot be uniquely traced back.

Composition and Real-World Pipelines

Many workflows apply transformations in sequence, such as rotate then scale, or change basis then project. Composition uses C = B×A so one combined matrix represents the full pipeline. You still provide X once, and the output becomes Y = C×X. This is numerically efficient and reduces repeated rounding when the same pipeline is reused. Practical pipelines appear in graphics, robotics coordinate frames, signal processing filters, and feature transforms for analytics.

Interpreting Results and Quality Checks

Treat each output column as the transformed version of its matching input column. Compare norms, angles, or component ranges to validate expected scaling or rotation. When the inverse exists, multiplying A⁻¹×Y should reproduce X within rounding error. If errors grow, review input magnitudes, near-singular determinants, or extreme scaling factors. Exporting CSV or PDF helps document assumptions, inputs, and results for audits, reports, and classroom work.


FAQs

1) What does k represent in the input matrix X?

k is the number of input vectors you want to transform. Each column of X is one vector of length n, and the calculator returns the matching output vectors as columns in Y.

2) When should I enable composition with matrix B?

Enable it when you need two transformations applied in order. Enter A for the first step and B for the second. The calculator forms C = B×A and applies C to every input vector.

3) Why is the determinant sometimes missing?

The determinant is defined only for square matrices. If the effective matrix is not n×n, or if composition changes it to a non-square size, the determinant section shows a dash.

4) What does it mean if an inverse is available?

An available inverse means the transformation is one-to-one and reversible for the effective matrix. You can recover X from Y by multiplying A⁻¹×Y, subject to normal floating-point rounding.

5) How do I transform several vectors at once?

Set k to the number of vectors, then enter each vector as a column in X. This batch method is faster and keeps comparisons consistent because all vectors use the same effective matrix.

6) What causes a dimension mismatch error?

It happens when A’s columns do not match X’s rows, or when B’s columns do not match A’s rows during composition. Adjust the size selectors so multiplication rules are satisfied.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.