Factors of 256

All factors of 256

Here are all 9 factors of 256, listed from smallest to largest.

Factor pairs of 256

These 5 pairs of whole numbers each multiply to give 256.

Notice the pair (16, 16) — because 256 is a perfect square, this pair uses the same number twice.

Prime factorization of 256

Dividing 256 by the smallest prime at each step gives its prime factorization:

The distinct prime factors of 256 are 2. To factorize any other number, use the prime factorization calculator.

Factor tree of 256

A factor tree shows the same prime factorization visually. Each composite branch splits until every endpoint is a prime number.

Properties of 256

What makes 256 interesting

• 256 is a composite number, meaning it has more than two factors. It can be written as a product of smaller whole numbers in 5 different ways.
• 256 is a perfect square: 16 × 16 = 256. This is why it has an odd number of factors (9) — the pair (16, 16) counts only once.
• 256 is a deficient number: its proper factors sum to 255, which is 1 less than 256 itself.
• 256 is a prime power: it is 2 raised to the power of 8. All of its factors are powers of 2.

How to find the factors of 256 yourself

Divide 256 by each whole number starting from 1. Whenever the division leaves no remainder, both the divisor and the quotient are factors. You only need to test up to √256 ≈ 16.00, because every factor above that pairs with one below it.

Reading both columns gives every factor: 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256. The factor calculator does this automatically for any number.