LCM of 24 and 36
The least common multiple of 24 and 36 is 72 — the smallest positive number into which both 24 and 36 divide evenly. This page lists the first twelve common multiples of the pair, which are exactly the multiples of 72.
24 and 36 share the factor 12, so their first meeting point comes earlier than the raw product: the LCM is (24 × 36) ÷ 12 = 864 ÷ 12 = 72. Both numbers divide it exactly — 24 fits 3 times and 36 fits 2 times — and the pairing identity LCM × GCF = a × b holds again: 72 × 12 = 864. After 72, the lines re-synchronize for good, so the common multiples continue 144, 216, 288, and onward.
| # | Common multiple |
|---|---|
| 1 | 72 |
| 2 | 144 |
| 3 | 216 |
| 4 | 288 |
| 5 | 360 |
| 6 | 432 |
| 7 | 504 |
| 8 | 576 |
| 9 | 648 |
| 10 | 720 |
| 11 | 792 |
| 12 | 864 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the LCM of 24 and 36?
The least common multiple of 24 and 36 is 72. The multiples of 24 begin 24, 48, 72, 96, … and the multiples of 36 begin 36, 72, 108, …, and 72 is the first value both lists share. Formula check: (24 × 36) ÷ GCF(24, 36) = 864 ÷ 12 = 72.
How do you find the LCM of 24 and 36?
Compare prime factorizations: 24 = 2³ × 3 and 36 = 2² × 3². Carry every prime at its highest power into the answer: 2³ × 3² = 72. The shortcut through the GCF lands on the same value: (24 × 36) ÷ 12 = 72.
What is the GCF of 24 and 36?
12. The largest number dividing both. The identity GCF × LCM = 24 × 36 checks it against this page: 12 × 72 = 864. The same GCF reduces fractions built on 24 and 36, while 72 is the common denominator that needs no reducing.
What are the common multiples of 24 and 36?
Exactly the multiples of the LCM: 72, 144, 216, 288, 360, 432, and onward without end. The table above lists the first twelve; every later one is another 72 steps out. These are the numbers into which both 24 and 36 divide evenly — which is why the LCM itself is the natural common denominator in fraction work.