diff --git a/harness.c b/harness.c
index 64250ae12..544d5a28d 100644
--- a/harness.c
+++ b/harness.c
@@ -161,6 +161,18 @@ void *test_malloc(size_t size)
     return p;
 }
 
+// cppcheck-suppress unusedFunction
+void *test_calloc(size_t nelem, size_t elsize)
+{
+    /* Reference: Malloc tutorial
+     * https://danluu.com/malloc-tutorial/
+     */
+    size_t size = nelem * elsize;  // TODO: check for overflow
+    void *ptr = test_malloc(size);
+    memset(ptr, 0, size);
+    return ptr;
+}
+
 void test_free(void *p)
 {
     if (noallocate_mode) {
diff --git a/harness.h b/harness.h
index 73cafc570..3956b7003 100644
--- a/harness.h
+++ b/harness.h
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@
  */
 
 void *test_malloc(size_t size);
+void *test_calloc(size_t nmemb, size_t size);
 void test_free(void *p);
 char *test_strdup(const char *s);
 /* FIXME: provide test_realloc as well */