# tf.keras.backend.is_sparse

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| [![](https://www.tensorflow.org/images/tf_logo_32px.png) TensorFlow 1 version](https://www.tensorflow.org/versions/r1.15/api_docs/python/tf/keras/backend/is_sparse) | [![](https://www.tensorflow.org/images/GitHub-Mark-32px.png) View source on GitHub](https://github.com/tensorflow/tensorflow/blob/v2.0.0/tensorflow/python/keras/backend.py#L689-L710) |

Returns whether a tensor is a sparse tensor.

#### View aliases


**Compat aliases for migration**

See
[Migration guide](https://www.tensorflow.org/guide/migrate) for
more details.

[`tf.compat.v1.keras.backend.is_sparse`](https://www.tensorflow.org/api_docs/python/tf/keras/backend/is_sparse)

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    tf.keras.backend.is_sparse(
        tensor
    )

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| ## Arguments ||
|---|---|
| `tensor` | A tensor instance. |

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| ## Returns ||
|---|---|
| A boolean. ||

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#### Example:

        from keras import backend as K
        a = K.placeholder((2, 2), sparse=False)
        print(K.is_sparse(a))
            False
        b = K.placeholder((2, 2), sparse=True)
        print(K.is_sparse(b))
            True