A data format converter rearranges data of an input image for input to a systolic array of multiply and accumulate processing elements. The image has a pixel height and a pixel width in a number of channels equal to a number of colors per pixel. The data format converter rearranges the data to a second, greater number of channels and inputs the second number of channels to one side of the systolic array. The second number of channels is less than or equal to the number of MAC PEs on the one side of the systolic array, and results in greater MAC PE utilization in the systolic array.