What is an intuitive explanation of numpy.unravel_index()?

Learn about the Python's numpy.unravel_index() method with examples. By Pranit Sharma Last updated : October 10, 2023

NumPy is an abbreviated form of Numerical Python. It is used for different types of scientific operations in python. Numpy is a vast library in python which is used for almost every kind of scientific or mathematical operation. It is itself an array which is a collection of various methods and functions for processing the arrays.

Python - numpy.unravel_index() Method

Computer memory is addressed linearly. Each memory cell corresponds to a number. A block of memory can be addressed in terms of a base, which is the memory address of its first element, and the item index.

This method converts a flat index or array of flat indices into a tuple of coordinate arrays.

Syntax

numpy.unravel_index(indices, shape, order='C')

Parameter(s)

indices: array_like - An integer array whose elements are indices into the flattened version of an array of dimensions shape. Before version 1.6.0, this function accepted just one index value.
shape: tuple of ints - The shape of the array to use for unraveling indices.
order: {'C', 'F'}, optional - Determines whether the indices should be viewed as indexing in row-major (C-style) or column-major (Fortran-style) order.

Let's understand with the help of an example,

Python program to demonstrate the example of numpy.unravel_index()

# Import numpy
import numpy as np

# Creating a numpy array
arr = np.array([22, 41, 37])

# Using unravel index
res =  np.unravel_index(arr,(7,6))

# Display result
print("Result:\n",res)