What is the difference between sprintf and printf?

sprintf() returns the formatted string, printf() outputs it directly. Use sprintf() when you need to store the result.

How to format a number with leading zeros?

Use %05d for 5-digit zero-padded: sprintf('%05d', 42) returns '00042'.

Use %.2f for 2 decimal places: sprintf('$%.2f', 19.9) returns '$19.90'.

String Function PHP 4+

The sprintf() function returns a formatted string using placeholders.

sprintf(string $format, mixed ...$values): string

Output

Click Run to execute your code

<?php
$price = 19.9;
echo sprintf("Price: $%.2f", $price);
// "Price: $19.90"
?>

<?php
$num = 42;
echo sprintf("%05d", $num);  // "00042"
echo sprintf("%08d", $num);  // "00000042"
?>

<?php
$name = "John";
$age = 25;
echo sprintf("%s is %d years old", $name, $age);
// "John is 25 years old"
?>

Tip: Use printf() to output directly instead of returning the string.