How to find the factors of 1
Test every whole number from 1 up to the square root of 1 (√1 ≈ 1.000). Each number that divides evenly gives you two factors at once: the divisor and the quotient.
- 1 ÷ 1 = 1 — so 1 and 1 are factors
Collecting both numbers from every successful division gives the complete list: 1.
Properties of 1
- 1 is neither prime nor composite.
- The sum of all its factors is 1; the sum of its proper factors (excluding 1) is 0, which makes it a deficient number (its proper factors add up to less than itself).
- 1 is a perfect square: 1 × 1. Perfect squares always have an odd number of factors.
- Multiples of 1 include 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on.
Factors vs. multiples
Factors of 1 are the numbers that divide into it; multiples of 1 are the numbers it divides into. Every number has a limited set of factors but infinitely many multiples. To work with any other number, use the factors calculator, or find shared factors with the GCF calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What are the factors of 1?
The factors of 1 are 1. Each of these divides 1 with no remainder.
How many factors does 1 have?
1 has 1 positive factor. Counting negative factors as well doubles that to 2.
Does 1 have a prime factorization?
No. 1 is the empty product: it has no prime factors, which is why it is classified as neither prime nor composite.
Is 1 a prime number?
1 is not prime. A prime must have exactly two distinct factors, and 1 has only one.