The best linear algebra textbooks, according to hackers
7 linear algebra textbooks were recommended on Hacker News between November 2025 and November 2026. We rank them by how many separate people recommend each one, and 2 earn the Hacker Approved badge.
Top picks
The two most recommended linear algebra textbooks with the badge. Each figure is 5 people. RecommendsCriticizes One comment
Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler
41 recommend, 12 criticize, 77% approval
Ranked 1 of 7 by recommenders
Good second linear algebra book
Recommended as a clear, insightful second linear algebra book that reframes concepts and has challenging exercises; the most common caveat is that it is not ideal as a first course.
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Introduction to Linear Algebra by Gilbert Strang
11 recommend, 5 criticize, 69% approval
Ranked 2 of 7 by recommenders
Respected, authoritative educator and author
Recommended as a clear, authoritative first introduction to linear algebra, especially for engineers. Critics say it focuses more on what than why and needs supplementing.
We may earn a commission. It never changes the order.
We may earn a commission. It never changes the order.
All 7 linear algebra textbooks, ranked
Select a column heading to sort. Approval share is recommenders out of everyone who gave an opinion; the tick on each bar marks the 2 to 1 line the badge needs. Months counts the months, out of 13, in which someone recommended it.
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Linear Algebra Done Rightby Sheldon Jay Axler | 41 | 12 | 77% | 8 | — | Approved |
| 2 | Introduction to Linear Algebraby Gilbert Strang | 11 | 5 | 69% | 4 | — | Approved |
| 3 | Linear Algebraby Stephen H. Friedberg and Arnold J. Insel and Lawrence E. Spence | 8 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| 4 | Linear Algebra and Its Applicationsby David C. Lay and Lay and Davic C. Lay and Steven R. Lay and Judi J. McDonald and Addison-Wesley Publishing Staff and Pearson Education Staff and David Lay and Judi McDonald and David C. Lay; Steven R. Lay; Judi J. McDonald and Judi McDonald David Lay and Steven Lay | 6 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| Tied 5 | No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebraby Ivan Savov | 5 | 0 | 100% | 2 | — | — |
| Tied 5 | Think Linear Algebraby Allen Downey | 5 | 0 | 100% | 1 | — | — |
| 7 | Linear Algebra Done Wrongby Sergei Treil | 3 | 1 | 75% | 2 | — | — |
How we rank
Rank is the number of separate people who recommend a product in a Hacker News comment over the past year. Someone who praises the same linear algebra textbook in five threads counts once.
The badge goes to linear algebra textbooks that at least 10 people recommend, with recommenders outnumbering critics at least 2 to 1, recommended in at least 4 of the 13 months.
Rankings are never for sale. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes the order.