Least Common Multiple Calculator

Input any number values into our Least Common Multiple Calculator and it will find quickly you the smallest or least common multiple of both numbers.

The Least Common Multiple (LCM) is the smallest multiple that is a multiple of two or more numbers.

It is also sometimes called the Lowest Common Multiple.

The Least Common Multiple of 12, 8 and 10 is 120 because 120 is the smallest number that is a multiple of all 3 numbers.

Simply type in your numbers into the space below with a SPACE after each one and the calculator will do the rest!

You can choose whether or not you want to see the 'Multiples Method' or the 'Prime Factors Method' for showing the working out.

One of the uses of the least common multiple is to help adding, subtracting or comparing fractions.

If you type in the denominators of the fractions you are adding (or subtracting or comparing), then it will tell you the least possible denominator to convert them to.

This can save you a lot of time and unnecessary calculations converting them to a common denominator that is much larger.

You can convert all the fractions to the LCM and then add, subtract or compare them more efficiently.

We have also included a couple of quick examples so you can see how it works...

A quick way to find a common multiple is to multiply the two numbers together, but this may not always be the least common multiple.

There are several different methods for finding the Least Common Multiple.

We have outlined two of the main methods below: the Multiples Method (best for smaller numbers) and the Prime Factors Method.

This method is the easiest to use and works well with smaller numbers.

Simply write out lists of multiples of each of your numbers until you find a common multiple.

The smallest number that is on all of the lists is the least common multiple.

Remember, if there are only two numbers, you only need to write your multiples up to the value of the 2nd number.

Example: if you are looking for the least common multiple of 5 and 8, you only need to go up to the 8th multiple of 5, or the 5th multiple of 8 (which is 40).

This method works well for larger numbers where it would take a long time to use the multiples method, but it is more complicated to use!

You need to write each number as a product of prime factors.

Combine your prime factors into a sorted list, with the highest exponent of each factor first.

Now look at your lists of prime factors and for each repeated factor, you only need to use the factor with the highest exponent (or just one of the factors if the exponents are the same).

Multiple your remaining prime factors in the list together to find the LCM.

We have a dedicated support page all about how to find the LCM using the two methods described above.

There are lots of worked examples to help you understand this concept.

We have a range of worksheets on how to find the least common multiple of two or three numbers.

The sheets vary in difficulty, and are suitable for 6th grade and up.

Our Greatest Common Factor Calculator will find the highest common factor of 2 or more numbers.

It will also show you the working out so you can see how to work it out yourself.

There are also some worked examples.

These sheets are all about finding multiples and factors of different numbers.

They are a great way to introduce multiples and factors and to practice this skill.

Take a look at some of our fractions worksheets.

These sheets will give you a chance to apply and use our least common multiple calculator

The Sieve of Erastosthenes is a method for finding what is a prime numbers between 2 and any given number.

Eratosthenes was a Greek mathematician (as well as being a poet, an astronomer and musician) who lived from about 276BC to 194BC.

If you want to find out more about his sieve for finding primes, and print out some Sieve of Eratosthenes worksheets, use the link below.

Take a look at our Prime Number page which clearly describes what a prime numbers is and what they are not.

There are also many different questions about prime numbers answered, as well as information about the density of primes.

We have a wide range of free math calculators to help you.

Most of our calculators show you their working out so that you can see exactly what they have done to get the answer.

Our calculator hub page contains links to all of our calculators!

The Math Salamanders hope you enjoy using these free printable Math worksheets and all our other Math games and resources.

We welcome any comments about our site or worksheets on the Facebook comments box at the bottom of every page.