PHP 8 reference · String Functions

PHP vsprintf() Function

Format a string like sprintf(), but take the values from an array. Useful when the number of values varies.

PHP 8 Since 4.1

Create a free account to save this page, take notes and track your progress. Sign in

Syntax

vsprintf(string $format, array $values): string

Parameter	Description
`format`	The template with placeholders.
`values`	An array of values.

The formatted string.

Values from an arrayTry it yourself

<?php
echo vsprintf("%04d-%02d-%02d", [2026, 3, 9]), "\n";

Output

2026-03-09

Format a database rowTry it yourself

<?php
$row = ["Ada", 36, "London"];
echo vsprintf("%s (%d) lives in %s", $row), "\n";

Output

Ada (36) lives in London

Version	Change
PHP 4.1	Added

sprintf() · Return a formatted string built from a template with placeholders like %s, %d and %.2f. Format numbers, pad and align.
printf() · Output a formatted string, using the same placeholders as sprintf(), and return the number of bytes printed.
PHP Strings · tutorial