The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for variable rate encoding and/or decoding in a data processing system. In some cases, embodiments include a variable length data decoder circuit that is operable to apply a decode algorithm to the encoded input based upon a first selected H-Matrix to yield a first decoded output and apply the decode algorithm to the encoded input based upon a second selected H-Matrix to yield a second decoded output.