Z-Transform Calculator

Forward & inverse Z{x[n]} · partial fractions · ROC · step-by-step

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Quick examples
Common Z-transform pairs
x[n]X(z)ROC
all z
|z| > 1
|z| > 1
|z| > |a|
|z| > |a|
|z| > 1
|z| > 1
|z| > 1
|z| > 1
Syntax help
n^2    z^3    (z-1)^2
(1/2)^n    (3/4)^n    (-1)^n
n*(1/2)^n    2^n
sin(pi*n/3)    cos(pi*n/4)
z/(z-1)    z/(z-1)^2
z^2/((z-1)*(z-1/2))
Multiply: n*(1/2)**n   Powers: n^2 or (1/2)^n
Z

Enter an expression and click Compute

Compute forward or inverse Z-transforms with step-by-step solutions.

Compute a transform to see the discrete stem plot.

What is the Z-Transform?

The Z-transform converts a discrete-time sequence x[n] into a complex function X(z). It is defined as Z{x[n]} = Σn=0 x[n] · z−n, where z is a complex variable. It is the discrete-time counterpart of the Laplace transform.

The Z-transform is fundamental in digital signal processing, discrete-time control systems, and the analysis of difference equations and digital filters.

Key Properties

Linearity

Z{ax[n] + by[n]} = aX(z) + bY(z). The transform distributes over addition and scalar multiplication.

Time-Shifting

Z{x[n−k]} = z−kX(z). A delay of k samples corresponds to multiplication by z−k.

Z-Domain Differentiation

Z{n·x[n]} = −z·dX(z)/dz. Multiplication by n in the time domain becomes differentiation in the z-domain.

Convolution

Z{x[n]*y[n]} = X(z)·Y(z). Convolution of sequences becomes multiplication of their Z-transforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Z-transform converts a discrete-time sequence x[n] into a complex function X(z) using the sum Z{x[n]} = sum from n=0 to infinity of x[n]*z^(-n). It is the discrete-time counterpart of the Laplace transform and is fundamental in digital signal processing and control systems.
The most common method for computing the inverse Z-transform is the residue method: compute X(z)*z^(n-1), find the poles of the denominator, and sum the residues at each pole. Alternatively, use partial fraction decomposition on X(z)/z, then look up each term in a Z-transform table.
The region of convergence is the set of complex values of z for which the Z-transform sum converges. For causal sequences (n >= 0), the ROC is the exterior of a circle |z| > r. The ROC determines the uniqueness of the inverse Z-transform.
The Laplace transform is for continuous-time signals f(t) and uses integration, while the Z-transform is for discrete-time sequences x[n] and uses summation. The relationship z = e^(sT) connects them, where T is the sampling period.
Yes, this calculator is completely free with no signup required. You get symbolic computation via SymPy, step-by-step solutions, discrete stem plots, LaTeX export, Math AI help, and a built-in Python compiler.

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