Abstract: A system and method for performing a discrete image convolution using convolution masks that are symmetric in both cardinal directions. The method is used in an image processor. The advantage of the convolution processing in accordance with the invention is the reduction in the number of multiply operations. With the convolution having symmetry in both m and n, the convolution processing minimizes the number of multiple operations in the following manner: ##EQU1## where c(x,y) is the convolved image array, f(m,n) is the convolution mask, and g(x,y) is the image array to be processed. The invention reduces the number of multiply operations to convolve g(x,y) with f(m,n) by up to a factor of four, to (m+1)(n+1)/4, in relation to conventional image convolution processing.