How to calculate Least Common Multiple

by | Jun 12, 2018 | Excel Tips & Tricks

How to calculate LCM with Excel

Excel has a built in function to calculate Least Common Multiple (LCM) of two or more integers. The function is also called LCM.

Syntax

=LCM(number1, [number2], …)

Steps

  1. Start with =LCM(
  2. Type or select cells or range that includes integers B6:E6
  3. Type ) to close the function and press Enter to complete formula

How

The LCM function does exactly what its name refers, returns the least common multiple of selected numbers. Its 1st argument is mandatory and others are optional. It can get up to 255 numbers as arguments.

=LCM(B3,C3)

Alternatively, you can choose to use range references for adjacent cells.

=LCM(B6:E6)

Please note that the LCM function only works with integers. The negative numbers causes #NUM! error. Also, if the return value is equal or greater than 2^53, the function returns #NUM! error as well.

Also see related article how to calculate Greatest Common Divisor (GCD).