Why does the matrix look so vertically spaced apart

matricesspacing

In my document I use the code

\begin{equation}
M \ = \ \left[  \begin{matrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{matrix} \right]
\end{equation}

and the output gives me the following goofy looking matrix (with too much vertical spacing!):

enter image description here

How to I make the matrix with normal vertical spacing?

I am using the the command \linespread{1.5} for the whole text, and I suspect this has something to do with it.

Best Answer

Countermand \linespread{1.5} with

\renewcommand{\arraystretch}{0.66667}

Full example:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{amsmath}

\linespread{1.5}
\renewcommand{\arraystretch}{0.66667}

\begin{document}

\begin{equation}
M = \begin{bmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{bmatrix}
\end{equation}

\end{document}

enter image description here

This will also affect tabular.