C PROGRAMMING PROGRAM • MATRICES

Check Whether a Matrix Is Symmetric

Learn how to check whether a matrix is symmetric using a clear C program.

IntermediateSquare matrixSymmetryTranspose relationship

PROBLEM UNDERSTANDING

Input and expected output

Sample input
3
1 2 3
2 5 6
3 6 9
Sample output
Symmetric matrix

COMPLETE C PROGRAM

Complete C implementation

symmetric-matrix-check.c
Open in compiler
#include <stdio.h>

int main(void)
{
    int size, matrix[10][10], symmetric = 1;

    scanf("%d", &size);
    if (size < 1 || size > 10) return 1;
    for (int row = 0; row < size; row++)
        for (int column = 0; column < size; column++) scanf("%d", &matrix[row][column]);
    for (int row = 0; row < size && symmetric; row++)
        for (int column = row + 1; column < size; column++)
            if (matrix[row][column] != matrix[column][row]) { symmetric = 0; break; }
    printf(symmetric ? "Symmetric matrix\n" : "Not a symmetric matrix\n");
    return 0;
}

GUIDED CODE TOUR • NOT LIVE EXECUTION

Study the program line by line

Use the real compiler button above to run and debug with different inputs.

CURRENT STEP

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EXPECTED OUTPUT FOR THE SAMPLE

Symmetric matrix
0%Step 0 of 0

PROGRAM EXPLANATION

Algorithm and explanation

  1. Read the required input values.
  2. Compare every element above the main diagonal with its reflected element below it.
  3. Display the computed result.

Compare every element above the main diagonal with its reflected element below it.

EFFICIENCY

Time and space complexity

Time complexity

O(rows × columns)

Auxiliary space

O(rows × columns)

DEBUGGING CHECKLIST

Common mistakes

Check this

Use the correct format specifier for every variable.

Check this

Initialize variables before using their values.

Check this

Check braces, semicolons and input order carefully.

Try it yourself

Practice: Run the program with the sample input, predict its output, and then test one boundary case of your own.