Factors of 6

All factors of 6

Here are all 4 factors of 6, listed from smallest to largest.

Factor pairs of 6

These 2 pairs of whole numbers each multiply to give 6.

Prime factorization of 6

Dividing 6 by the smallest prime at each step gives its prime factorization:

The distinct prime factors of 6 are 2, 3. To factorize any other number, use the prime factorization calculator.

Factor tree of 6

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

Properties of 6

What makes 6 interesting

• 6 is a composite number, meaning it has more than two factors. It can be written as a product of smaller whole numbers in 2 different ways.
• 6 is a perfect number — a rare classification. Its proper factors (1, 2, 3) add up to exactly 6. Only 51 perfect numbers are known.
• 6 is a highly composite number — it has more factors (4) than any smaller positive integer. Numbers like this are useful in measurement systems because they divide evenly so many ways.
• 6 is a triangular number — it is the sum of the first 3 whole numbers (1 + 2 + … + 3 = 6).

How to find the factors of 6 yourself

Divide 6 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 √6 ≈ 2.45, because every factor above that pairs with one below it.

Reading both columns gives every factor: 1, 2, 3, 6. The factor calculator does this automatically for any number.