--- title: "Composite Numbers: What Are They? How Can You Spot Them? · PrepScholar" description: What are composite numbers? What's the difference between prime and composite numbers? Check out our detailed guide explaining this concept. image: https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/mika-baumeister-703680-unsplash.jpg --- **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** CALL NOW: [+1 (866) 811-5546](tel:18668115546) [![Start Free Trial](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-171805697634.png)](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKJluK2NyG3jpAJh%2F2lClc1fhnVHyMZoQonqRxtJngB8FMX6lc78F84JqOaVAL0d36TA5%2FYuH%2FLCJw8AG3ewREi%2F7a3XDouZgjxWfYCBUge6z76KnSykOxONl3avMK0gUjJGpJdyJE2BDTx8g3bsgHwMtx4Kr9Jfh6Jr7WA2XEIgtLw1OoVvAMo4Kw%3D&webInteractiveContentId=171805697634&portalId=360031) ## Choose Your Test SAT Prep ACT Prep [PrepScholar Advice Blog](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) ☰ - Search Blogs By Category - [SAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/sat) - [ACT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/act) - [College Admissions](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/college-admissions) - [AP and IB Exams](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/advanced-placement-ap) - [PSAT](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/psat-info-and-strategies) - [TOEFL](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/toefl) - [GPA and Coursework](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/coursework-gpa) # [Composite Numbers: What Are They? How Can You Spot Them?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/composite-numbers) ![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/hayley.jpg) Posted by [Hayley Milliman](https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/hayley-milliman) | Updated on September 24, 2024 [General Education](https://blog.prepscholar.com/topic/general-education)   ![mika-baumeister-703680-unsplash](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/mika-baumeister-703680-unsplash.jpg?width=500&name=mika-baumeister-703680-unsplash.jpg) Do you know the difference between prime and composite numbers? If not, don’t worry! You’ve come to the right place. In this post, **we’ll talk about what prime and composite numbers are and give you a handy chart you can use to quickly see if something is a composite number.**   ## What Is a Composite Number? **Composite numbers are whole numbers that are greater than 1 and divisible by other whole numbers.** Here are the questions to ask yourself to decide if a number is composite: - Is the number a whole number? - Is the number greater than 1? - Is the number divisible by whole numbers other than itself? Let’s apply those questions to two different numbers to see if they are composite or not. Take the number “4”. 4 is a whole number. It is greater than 1. You can divide 4 by 4. You can also divide 4 by 2, so it’s divisible by other whole numbers. That means 4 is a composite number. Let’s look at the number “3”. 3 is a whole number. It’s greater than 1. You can divide 3 by 3. But, you can’t divide 3 by any other whole numbers. That means 3 isn’t a composite number.   ![jon-tyson-520850-unsplash](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/jon-tyson-520850-unsplash.jpg?width=443&name=jon-tyson-520850-unsplash.jpg)   ## How to Tell the Difference Between Prime and Composite Numbers If a number isn’t composite, then it’s prime. **Prime numbers are numbers that are greater than 1 that are only divisible by themselves and the number 1.** The best way to tell if a number is prime or composite is to perform the divisibility test. When you use the divisibility test, you check to see if a number is divisible by common prime factors, like 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13. If you’re testing an even number, start by trying to divide it by 2 to see if it’s composite. If you’re testing a number that ends with 0 or 5, try to divide it by 5. If you get a whole number when dividing by any of these common factors, then your number is composite. If you get a fraction or decimal when dividing by these common factors, then your number is likely prime.   ## Composite Number Chart (1-100) Here is a handy composite number list to reference. All of the numbers in blue are composite numbers. ![compositenumberchart](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/compositenumberchart.png?width=642&name=compositenumberchart.png)   ## Prime Number Chart (1-100) Here’s an easy-to-reference prime number list. All of the numbers in red are prime numbers. ![primenumbers](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/primenumbers.png?width=642&name=primenumbers.png) ## Final Thoughts It’s important to know whether a number is prime or composite so you can understand whether or not the number is divisible. Remember, ask yourself these questions to tell if a number is a composite number or not: - Is the number a whole number? - Is the number greater than 1? - Is the number divisible by whole numbers other than itself?   ## What’s Next? **Writing a research paper for school but not sure what to write about?** [Our guide to research paper topics](https://blog.prepscholar.com/good-research-paper-topics) has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you. **Learning about natural logs?** [Check out our guide on the 11 natural log rules you must know](https://blog.prepscholar.com/natural-log-rules) to ace this subject. **What is dynamic equilibrium and what does it have to do with rusty cars?** Find out by reading our [complete guide to dynamic equilibrium.](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-dynamic-equilibrium-definition-example)   [![Looking for help with high school? Our one-on-one online tutoring services can help you study for important exams, review challenging material, or plan out big projects. Get matched with a top tutor who is an expert in the subject you're studying!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/360031/interactive-178532613026.png)](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLLWP%2B%2BjJa0TbfXn42l7hVhjdowYrJ6Xbv6xpf4aA6u5Us7dJ30xxXBQXpFpMV8wA9Z8QJKpI%2B5R8%2FQkuGjwjpsRSiTIC8%2FnmNkbitS%2F3sLph1z8398J4ZtIr9dqOTFUNQk3frxjI9ZhC%2F4z4OrKd6mVq9qtuUQb552FzsjLBGW256DIeE0%2FJHquGk2NKV6sn8%3D&webInteractiveContentId=178532613026&portalId=360031) ### Trending Now [How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-into-harvard-and-the-ivy-league-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-4-0-gpa-and-get-better-grades-by-a-harvard-alum) [How to Write an Amazing College Essay](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-write-a-college-essay) [Should You Take the SAT or ACT?](https://quiz.prepscholar.com/sat-vs-act) [What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-do-colleges-look-for) [ACT vs. SAT: 10 Key Differences](https://blog.prepscholar.com/act-vs-sat) [Calculate Your College Chances](https://mycollegechances.prepscholar.com/) Get Your Free **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com/)** eBook [5 Tips to Raise Your SAT Score 160+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/sat-5-tips-ebook/) [5 Tips to Raise Your ACT Score 4+ Points](https://www.prepscholar.com/rp/act-5-tips-ebook/) ### SAT Prep [Find Your Target SAT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-sat-score-a-bad-sat-score-an-excellent-sat-score) [Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-sat-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-sat-score-by-a-2400-sat-scorer)** [Score 800 on SAT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-math-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-800-on-sat-reading-and-writing) [Raise Your SAT Score by 160+ Points GUARANTEED. Start Your 5-Day Risk-Free Trial](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/?utm_source=databasepage&utm_medium=sidebar&utm_campaign=sat_guarantee) ### ACT Prep [Find Your Target ACT Score](https://blog.prepscholar.com/what-is-a-good-act-score-a-bad-act-score-an-excellent-act-score) [Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests](https://blog.prepscholar.com/complete-official-act-practice-tests-free-links) ### **[How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-a-perfect-act-score-by-a-36-full-scorer)** [Get a 36 on ACT English](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-english-9-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Math](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-math-8-strategies-by-a-perfect-scorer) [Get a 36 on ACT Reading](https://blog.prepscholar.com/how-to-get-36-on-act-reading-11-strategies-from-a-perfect-scorer) Stay Informed Get the latest articles and test prep tips! - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/facebook_logo.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![Follow us on X (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/twitterx-50.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-sidebar.webp)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) Get Exclusive Tips for College Admissions Sign up to receive free guidance on everything from acing the SAT to writing a standout college admissions essay. × ## Thanks for Subscribing! ![Check icon](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/file-2386656898.png/subscribe_check.png.png?width=175&name=subscribe_check.png) To receive immediate updates on all our helpful guides and strategies, **follow us** on social media: [![Facebook](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/26de6c2beb2b71ee5b8d660200359259.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) [![X](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f233666501ea25d3fcf3c390d2f08c7b.png)](https://x.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) [![LinkedIn](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/linkedin.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) [![Instagram](https://blogprepschola.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/download-1.png)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) **Have friends who also need help with test prep?** Share this article! [![Share on email](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fcomposite-numbers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fcomposite-numbers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) [![Share on facebook](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fcomposite-numbers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on twitter](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fcomposite-numbers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fcomposite-numbers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on linkedin](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/360031/hubfs/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.prepscholar.com%2Fcomposite-numbers%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) About the Author ![author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/hayley.jpg) Hayley Milliman Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females. ## Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! **[![PrepScholar](https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-White.png)](https://www.prepscholar.com)** - [WHO WE ARE](https://www.prepscholar.com/who-we-are/) - [SUCCESS STORIES](https://www.prepscholar.com/case-studies/) - [ADVICE BLOG](https://blog.prepscholar.com/) - [FOR SCHOOLS](https://www.prepscholar.com/for-schools/) - [SAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/sat-test-prep/) - [ACT](https://www.prepscholar.com/act-test-prep/) - [PSAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/psat-test-prep/) - [AP](https://www.prepscholar.com/ap-tutoring/) - [GRE](https://www.prepscholar.com/gre-test-prep/) - [GMAT](https://www.prepscholar.com/gmat-test-prep/) - [TOEFL](https://www.prepscholar.com/toefl-test-prep/) - [ADMISSIONS](https://www.prepscholar.com/college-admissions-consulting/) - [TERMS OF SERVICE](https://www.prepscholar.com/terms-of-service/) - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.prepscholar.com/privacy-policy/) - [![follow us on X (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/twitter-64.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/follow?region=follow_link&screen_name=PrepScholar&tw_p=followbutton) - [![Follow us on Facebook (icon)](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/facebook-64.png)](https://www.facebook.com/prepscholar) - [![follow us on Instagram (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/instagram-64.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/prepscholar/) - [![follow us on TikTok (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/tiktok-50.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@prepscholarofficial) - [![Follow us on LinkedIn (icon)](https://360031.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/360031/linkedin50.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/prepscholar/) © PrepScholar 2013-2025. All rights reserved SAT® is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this web site. ACT® is a registered trademark belonging to ACT Education Corporation ("ACT"). ACT is not involved with or affiliated with PrepScholar Inc., nor does ACT endorse or sponsor any of the products or services offered by PrepScholar Inc. GRE® and TOEFL® are registered trademarks of the ETS®. The ETS® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this web site. GMAT® is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admissions Council®. The Graduate Management Admissions Council® does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with, the owner or any content of this website. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Hayley Milliman", "url" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/author/hayley-milliman" }, "dateModified" : "2024-09-24T19:49:30+00:00", "datePublished" : "2019-01-24T21:00:00+00:00", "description" : "What are composite numbers? What's the difference between prime and composite numbers? Check out our detailed guide explaining this concept.", "headline" : "Composite Numbers: What Are They? How Can You Spot Them?", "image" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/mika-baumeister-703680-unsplash.jpg", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.prepscholar.com/composite-numbers", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.prepscholar.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PrepScholar-Logo-Colored.png" }, "name" : "PrepScholar" } } ```