Is 12 a prime number?

No, 12 is not a prime number. It is a composite number: it is even, so it is divisible by 2.

Why 12 is not prime

12 has divisors other than 1 and itself. The smallest is 2: 12 ÷ 2 = 6.

Prime factorization: 12 = 2 × 2 × 3 = 2² × 3.

Quick facts about 12

Even or odd: even.
Nearest primes: 11 below and 13 above.
Primes up to 12: 5.

Is it prime? Nearby numbers

Number	Prime?
8	No, 2 × 2 × 2
9	No, 3 × 3
10	No, 2 × 5
11	Yes
13	Yes
14	No, 2 × 7
15	No, 3 × 5
16	No, 2 × 2 × 2 × 2

More about 12: factors of 12 · 12 squared · square root of 12 · 12 in binary · 12 in Roman numerals.

Another number? Use the prime number checker for any value, or see the list of prime numbers.