Multiple inputs

Learn to read multiple values with a single scanf.

One scanf, several values

You can read several values with a single scanf call. The specifier count in the format string must match the variable count; the space between them lets users separate values with spaces or Enter.

int a, b;
printf("Two numbers: ");
scanf("%d %d", &a, &b);
printf("Sum: %d\n", a + b);

If the user enters 3 4, then a=3, b=4. 3\n4 or 3 4 also works; scanf skips whitespace automatically.

Mixing different types

You can mix different types in the same scanf call. Each specifier must match the type of the next variable.

int id;
char initial;
printf("Number and letter: ");
scanf("%d %c", &id, &initial);
printf("Record: %d-%c\n", id, initial);

If the user enters 7 A, the output is Record: 7-A. The space before %c is important; without it, %c reads the space character. So writing " %c" is safer.

Exercise Read two numbers, sum and print

Write a C program. Declare int a, b;. Print a request line with printf. Read two integers with scanf("%d %d", &a, &b);. Print the sum a + b using printf with the %d specifier. Put #include <stdio.h> at the top.

Show example solution

#include <stdio.h>

int main(void) {
    int a, b;
    printf("Two numbers: ");
    scanf("%d %d", &a, &b);
    printf("Sum: %d\n", a + b);
    return 0;
}

Test yourself

How many values does scanf("%d %d", &a, &b) read?
```
int a, b;
scanf("%d %d", &a, &b);
```
- 2
- 1
- 0
- 3
Show answer

2 — Two %d specifiers read two values.

Read two numbers

scanf("____", &x, &y);

Show answer

scanf("%d %d", &x, &y);

Match format and types

%d %d

Two integers
%f %f

Two decimals
%d %c

Number and letter
%c %c

Two characters

Next lesson: getchar and putchar

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