Factors of 32
Every whole number that divides 32 exactly, the factor pairs, and how to find them yourself.
The answer
The factors of 32 are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32.
Factor pairs of 32
| Pair | Makes |
|---|---|
| 1 × 32 | 32 |
| 2 × 16 | 32 |
| 4 × 8 | 32 |
Prime factors of 32
- Prime factorisation
- 32 = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 (2⁵)
- Is 32 prime?
- No. It has 6 factors, not just 1 and 32.
- Is 32 a square number?
- No. 5 × 5 = 25 and 6 × 6 = 36, so 32 falls between two square numbers.
How to find the factors of 32
32 is even, so 2 is sure to be a factor. Work up from 1 to 5, and write down both numbers in every pair you find.
- 32 ÷ 1 = 32, so 1 × 32 is a pair.
- 32 ÷ 2 = 16, so 2 × 16 is a pair.
- 3 does not go into 32 exactly.
- 32 ÷ 4 = 8, so 4 × 8 is a pair.
- 5 does not go into 32 exactly.
Stop at 6: 6 × 6 = 36, which is more than 32. The next pair you would find is 8 × 4, which is 4 × 8 turned round, so you already have every pair.
32 in the times tables
2 × 16 = 32 and 4 × 8 = 32. Practise the 4 times table, 8 times table and 16 times table.
More numbers
Check whether 32 is prime.
Questions parents ask
What is the largest factor of 32, apart from 32 itself?
16. Divide 32 by its smallest factor above 1, which is 2: 32 ÷ 2 = 16.
What do the factors of 32 add up to?
63. Leaving out 32 itself, they add up to 31, which is less than 32, so 32 is called a deficient number.
Which number after 32 has the same number of factors?
44. Like 32, it has exactly 6 factors.
Number facts are the base of 11+ maths
Factors, multiples, primes and square numbers come up all over 11+ maths, from simplifying fractions to ratio. The free diagnostic checks maths, English and both kinds of reasoning, and shows what to practise next. No card is required.