01
How to use this calculator
- Start with two positive integers.
- Find their greatest common factor.
- Divide their product by the GCF to obtain the LCM.
02
A little understanding goes a long way.
The LCM is useful when finding common denominators or working with repeating schedules. For more than two integers, apply the two-number operation repeatedly.
THE FORMULA
lcm(a, b) = |a × b| ÷ gcd(a, b)
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A worked example
Multiples of 6 include 6, 12, 18 and 24. Multiples of 8 include 8, 16 and 24. Their least common multiple is 24.
03
A few common questions
How does LCM differ from GCF?
GCF divides the input numbers. LCM is divisible by them.
What if the numbers are coprime?
If the GCF is 1, the LCM is the product of the two positive integers.