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# MatSetBlockSize
Sets the matrix block size.
## Synopsis
```
#include "petscmat.h"
PetscErrorCode MatSetBlockSize(Mat mat, PetscInt bs)
```
Logically Collective
## Input Parameters
- ***mat -*** the matrix
- ***bs -*** block size
## Notes
Block row formats are `MATBAIJ` and `MATSBAIJ` formats ALWAYS have square block storage in the matrix.
This must be called before `MatSetUp()` or MatXXXSetPreallocation() (or will default to 1) and the block size cannot be changed later.
For `MATAIJ` matrix format, this function can be called at a later stage, provided that the specified block size
is compatible with the matrix local sizes.
## See Also
[](ch_matrices), `Mat`, `MATBAIJ`, `MATSBAIJ`, `MATAIJ`, `MatCreateSeqBAIJ()`, `MatCreateBAIJ()`, `MatGetBlockSize()`, `MatSetBlockSizes()`, `MatGetBlockSizes()`
## Level
intermediate
## Location
src/mat/interface/matrix.c
## Examples
src/ksp/ksp/tutorials/ex4.c
src/ksp/ksp/tutorials/ex55.c
src/ksp/ksp/tutorials/ex56.c
src/snes/tutorials/ex56.c
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[Edit on GitLab](https://gitlab.com/petsc/petsc/-/edit/release/src/mat/interface/matrix.c)
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