The number of rows must match the columns of the first matrix
This application walks you through matrix multiplication in four simple steps. First, select the dimensions (rows and columns) for your first matrix using the buttons. Next, choose the number of columns for your second matrix - note that the number of rows is automatically set to match the columns of your first matrix. Then, fill in all the cells of both matrices with numbers (use the TAB key to move from cell to cell). Finally, click "Calculate Result" to see your answer displayed alongside the original matrices.
Matrix multiplication has a fundamental rule: you can only multiply two matrices if the number of columns in the first matrix equals the number of rows in the second matrix. This is because multiplication works by taking each row from the first matrix and combining it with each column from the second matrix. For example, if Matrix A is 3×2 (3 rows, 2 columns) and Matrix B is 2×4 (2 rows, 4 columns), the result will be a 3×4 matrix. Each element in the result is calculated by multiplying corresponding elements from a row and column, then adding them together.
For matrices larger than 4x4 see the Advanced Matrix Multiplier
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