Factors of 12
Every whole number that divides 12 exactly, the factor pairs, and how to find them yourself.
The answer
The factors of 12 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12.
Factor pairs of 12
| Pair | Makes |
|---|---|
| 1 × 12 | 12 |
| 2 × 6 | 12 |
| 3 × 4 | 12 |
Prime factors of 12
- Prime factorisation
- 12 = 2 × 2 × 3 (2² × 3)
- Reading index form
- A small raised number tells you how many times to use that factor. For example, 2³ means 2 × 2 × 2.
- Is 12 prime?
- No. It has 6 factors, not just 1 and 12.
- Is 12 a square number?
- No. 3 × 3 = 9 and 4 × 4 = 16, so 12 falls between two square numbers.
How to find the factors of 12
12 is even, so 2 is sure to be a factor. Its digits add up to 3, a multiple of 3, so 3 is a factor. Work up from 1 to 3, and write down both numbers in every pair you find.
- 12 ÷ 1 = 12, so 1 × 12 is a pair.
- 12 ÷ 2 = 6, so 2 × 6 is a pair.
- 12 ÷ 3 = 4, so 3 × 4 is a pair.
Stop at 4: 4 × 4 = 16, which is more than 12. The next pair you would find is 4 × 3, which is 3 × 4 turned round, so you already have every pair.
12 in the times tables
2 × 6 = 12 and 3 × 4 = 12. Practise the 2 times table, 3 times table, 4 times table and 6 times table.
More numbers
Check whether 12 is prime.
Questions parents ask
What is the largest factor of 12, apart from 12 itself?
6. Divide 12 by its smallest factor above 1, which is 2: 12 ÷ 2 = 6.
What do the factors of 12 add up to?
28. Leaving out 12 itself, they add up to 16, which is more than 12, so 12 is called an abundant number.
Which number after 12 has the same number of factors?
18. Like 12, it has exactly 6 factors.
Continue your number practice
Explore the diagnostic for another set of practice questions.