Excel LCM Function

The LCM function calculates the least common multiple of integers. The least common multiple is the smallest positive integer that can be divided by all the numbers provided.

Syntax

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

Arguments

Return value

The LCM function returns a positive numeric value.

Function notes

1. Arguments in the LCM function should be supplied as numeric values. Up to 255 arguments are allowed.
2. Integers are preferred in the arguments. If any of the supplied arguments are non-integer numbers, the LCM function will truncate them to integers.
3. LCM function will return the #VALUE! error if any of the supplied arguments are non-numeric.
4. LCM function will return the #NUM! error if:
   • any argument < 0
   • returned result ≥ 2^53

Examples

To get the least common multiple of integers in the below table, please copy the formulas below into cell G4, G5, G6 and G7 respectively and press the Enter key to get the results.

=LCM (B4:C4)

=LCM (B5:C5)

=LCM (B6:D6)

=LCM (B7:E7)

Notes:

1. The argument in the above formula is supplied as a range that contain multiple values.
2. We can directly input values in the arguments of the formula. For example, in cell G7, the formula can be changed to:

   =LCM (9, 12, 8, 24)

3. We can also use cell references as arguments of the formula. For example, in cell G7, the formula can be changed to:

   =LCM (B7, C7, D7, E7)

4. If there is a blank cell or the number “0” in the supplied arguments, it returns the result of 0.

Relative Functions:

• Excel EVEN Function
  The EVEN function rounds numbers away from zero to the nearest even integer.

• Excel EXP Function
  The EXP function returns the result of the constant e raised to the nth power.