Is 27 a Prime Number? Clear Answer, Factorization, and Why
27 is not a prime number. It is a composite number because it has more than two divisors.

Is 27 Prime? The Direct Answer
No, 27 is not a prime number. A prime number has exactly two divisors: 1 and itself. 27 has four divisors: 1, 3, 9, and 27.
Factorization of 27
The prime factorization of 27 is 3 × 3 × 3, or 3 cubed. This means 27 can be divided evenly by 3, showing it is not prime.
Why Is 27 Not Prime? The Plain-English Explanation
- Prime numbers can only be divided by 1 and themselves without leaving a remainder.
- 27 can be divided by 1, 3, 9, and 27.
- Because 27 has divisors other than 1 and itself, it is classified as composite, not prime.
Sharpen Your Prime-Spotting Skills
Being able to quickly tell if a number like 27 is prime is a valuable math skill. You can practice spotting prime numbers faster by playing Prime 59, a race-the-clock puzzle game that helps you get better at mental math and identifying primes on the fly.
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Try Prime 59FAQ
What are the factors of 27?
The factors of 27 are 1, 3, 9, and 27.
Why isn't 27 a prime number?
27 isn't prime because it has more than two divisors. A prime number has only two: 1 and itself.
What is the prime factorization of 27?
The prime factorization of 27 is 3 × 3 × 3, or 3 cubed.
How can I get better at spotting prime numbers?
You can improve your ability to spot primes quickly by practicing with games like Prime 59, which challenges you to identify primes against the clock.
Is 27 an even number?
No, 27 is an odd number.