The GCF Calculator finds the greatest common factor, also called the greatest common divisor, of two or more integers. The GCF is the largest positive integer that divides every supplied number without leaving a remainder.
How the GCF Is Found
One way to find the GCF is to list the factors of each number and identify the largest factor they share. For larger numbers, the Euclidean algorithm is more efficient because it repeatedly uses remainders until the final nonzero remainder is reached.
Using the Calculator
- Enter the integers you want to compare.
- Check that the values are entered correctly.
- Run the calculation.
- Use the displayed GCF in your next mathematical step.
Example
The factors of 18 include 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 18. The factors of 24 include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24. The largest shared factor is 6, so GCF(18, 24) = 6.
Where GCF Is Useful
The greatest common factor is useful when simplifying fractions, reducing ratios, grouping quantities into equal sets, and solving problems involving common divisors.