Is 6 a prime number?
6 is not a prime number. Here is a way to check it.
The answer
No. 6 is not a prime number: 2 × 3 = 6.
How to see that 6 is not prime
6 is in the 2 times table, so 2 is a factor as well as 1 and 6.
6 has four factors: 1 and 6, plus one pair in between, 2 and 3.
Split 6 into prime factors
6 splits straight into two primes, 2 × 3, so its factor tree has only one branch.
6 in the times tables
6 turns up in 3 different times tables, the 2, 3 and 6: 2 × 3, 3 × 2 and 6 × 1.
Quick checks that catch 6
- The last digit, 6, is even, so 2 goes in.
- The digits add up to 6, which is in the 3 times table, so 3 goes in.
- It is even and passes the check for 3 as well, so 6 goes in.
6 at a glance
Optional extra number facts:
- In words
- six
- In Roman numerals
- VI
- Odd or even
- Even: it ends in 6
- Triangular number
- 1 + 2 + … + 3 = 6, a triangle of counters with 3 on the bottom row
- Its factors add up to
- 12, or 6 without 6 itself. 6 is perfect: Perfect means this sum equals the number.
The numbers either side of 6
- 5 is prime: 2 does not go into it, and 3 × 3 is already past 5. Check 5 in full
- 7 is prime: 2 does not go into it, and 3 × 3 is already past 7. Check 7 in full
Related pages
More numbers
Questions parents ask
Which prime numbers are either side of 6?
5 below it and 7 above it, a gap of 2.
What is 6 squared?
6 × 6 = 36.
What is the smallest number with as many factors as 6?
6 itself. No smaller number has 4 factors.
Continue your number practice
Explore the diagnostic for another set of practice questions.