LCM Calculator

How to Find Least Common Multiple (LCM) – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Find the Prime Factors

Find the prime factorization of each number.

Step 2: Identify the Highest Powers

For each unique prime factor, take the highest exponent that appears in any of the numbers.

Step 3: Multiply the Factors

Multiply all the chosen prime factors together to get the LCM.

Example:

Find the LCM of 12 and 18

Step 1: Prime factorization:

12 = 2 × 2 × 3

18 = 2 × 3 × 3

Step 2: Highest powers: 2² and 3²

Step 3: Multiply: 2² × 3² = 4 × 9 = 36

Final Answer: LCM = 36