The GCD formula with example in Excel

The GCD function in Excel is used to find the greatest common divisor of two or more integers. The greatest common divisor is the largest integer that divides both numbers without leaving a remainder.

Syntax

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

• number1, number2, ...: These are the numbers or cell references containing the integers for which you want to find the greatest common divisor.

Example

Suppose you have two integers and you want to find their greatest common divisor.

Data

Let's say we have the following integers:

• Number 1: 24
• Number 2: 36

Steps

1. Enter the numbers in cells A1 and A2.

2. Use the GCD function to find the greatest common divisor. In cell B1, enter the following formula:

   =GCD(A1, A2)
   

3. Press Enter.

Result

The formula returns 12, indicating that the greatest common divisor of 24 and 36 is 12.

Explanation of the Formula

• A1 contains the first integer, which is 24.
• A2 contains the second integer, which is 36.

Another Example with Multiple Integers

Suppose you have a list of integers and you want to find their greatest common divisor.

Data

Let's say we have the following integers in cells A1:A5:

A
24
36
60
72
84

Steps

1. Enter the numbers in cells A1

   .

2. Use the GCD function to find the greatest common divisor. In cell B1, enter the following formula:

   =GCD(A1:A5)
   

3. Press Enter.

Result

The formula returns 12, indicating that the greatest common divisor of 24, 36, 60, 72, and 84 is 12.

Explanation of the Formula

• A1:A5 contains the range of integers.

The GCD function in Excel is useful for finding common divisors of multiple integers, which is particularly useful in various mathematical and engineering calculations.