In an example, in a method for encoding data within a crossbar memory array containing cells, bits of input data may be received. The received bits of data may be mapped to the cells in a row of the memory array, in which the cells are to be assigned to one of a low resistance state and a high resistance state. A subset of the mapped bits in the row may be grouped into a word pattern. The word pattern may be arranged such that more low resistance states are mapped to cells that are located closer to a voltage source of the row of the memory array than to cells that are located farther away from the voltage source.