Prime Factorization Calculator
Break a whole number into its prime factors.
How this calculator works
How to use this calculator
1. Enter a whole number greater than 1.
2. Click Factor Number.
3. The calculator breaks the number into prime factors and groups repeated factors using exponents.
Formula used
Prime factorization expresses a whole number as a product of prime numbers.
The calculator tests prime divisors beginning with 2 and repeatedly divides the number until only prime factors remain.
Example calculation
Example: 360
360 = 2 × 180
= 2 × 2 × 90
= 2 × 2 × 2 × 45
= 2³ × 3² × 5
Result = 2³ × 3² × 5
What the result means
The result shows the prime numbers that multiply together to produce the original whole number. Repeated prime factors are grouped with exponents.
Frequently asked questions
What is a prime number?
A prime number is a whole number greater than 1 with exactly two positive divisors: 1 and itself.
Can I factor 1?
No. The number 1 does not have a prime factorization.
What if the number is already prime?
The calculator returns that number itself as the prime factorization.