LCM function

This article describes the formula syntax and usage of the LCM function in Microsoft Excel.

Description

Returns the least common multiple of integers. The least common multiple is the smallest positive integer that is a multiple of all integer arguments number1, number2, and so on. Use LCM to add fractions with different denominators.

Syntax

LCM(number1, [number2], ...)

The LCM function syntax has the following arguments:

• Number1, number2,...    Number1 is required, subsequent numbers are optional. 1 to 255 values for which you want the least common multiple. If value is not an integer, it is truncated.

Remarks

• If any argument is nonnumeric, LCM returns the #VALUE! error value.

• If any argument is less than zero, LCM returns the #NUM! error value.

• If LCM(a,b) >=2^53, LCM returns the #NUM! error value.

Example

Copy the example data in the following table, and paste it in cell A1 of a new Excel worksheet. For formulas to show results, select them, press F2, and then press Enter. If you need to, you can adjust the column widths to see all the data.

Formula	Description	Result
=LCM(5, 2)	Least common multiple of 5 and 2	10
=LCM(24, 36)	Least common multiple of 24 and 36	72