Numberwise

108

108 is considered a sacred number in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, notably in the 108 beads of a mala.

2 confirmed records · 1 sourceChecked, general knowledgeIncludes disputed claimsHow we qualify claimsReport a correction

Where 108 fits

Where 108 fits: Mathematics, Science, Culture & beliefMathematics: Powerful number, Harshad (Niven) number. Science: Sun–Earth astronomical ratios. Culture & belief: Hindu and Buddhist tradition.MathematicsPowerful numberHarshad (Niven) numberScienceSun–Earth astronomical rati…Culture & beliefHindu and Buddhist tradition108
108 connects to 3 worlds: mathematics, science, culture & belief.

Why 108 is special

108's religious significance across multiple Dharmic traditions is independently — and separately — reinforced by popularized astronomical ratios involving the Sun and Earth, which remain disputed in precision.

Same number, different meanings

How 108 is understood across different contexts — never implying one meaning because of another.

108 is part of

Factors & digit properties

Divisors (12)
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, 108
Prime factorisation
2^2 × 3^3
Digit sum
9
Digital root
9

Representations

Decimal
108
Binary
1101100
Octal
154
Hexadecimal
6c
Roman numeral
CVIII
Scientific notation
1.080 × 10^2

Other mathematical patterns

  • Abundant number
  • Powerful number
  • Harshad (Niven) number

Related numbers & connections

Scientific identity
108 is popularly, but imprecisely, cited as an approximate Sun–Earth astronomical ratio.

108 is popularly, but imprecisely, cited as an approximate Sun–Earth astronomical ratio.

Cultural association
108 is a sacred number in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, notably the count of beads on a mala.

108 is a sacred number in Hindu and Buddhist tradition, notably the count of beads on a mala.

Scientific association

  • has scientific association withSun–Earth astronomical ratios
    why?

    Strength 0.50, confidence "low".

Culturally related

  • is culturally significant inHindu and Buddhist tradition
    why?

    Strength 0.50, confidence "high".

How is 108 connected to another number? →

Religion & belief

  • 108 is considered a sacred number in Hindu and Buddhist tradition; a traditional mala (prayer bead string) has 108 beads, and 108 recurs in the naming of scriptures, temple steps and ritual repetitions.

    Widely documentedReligion & beliefCulture: Hindu and Buddhist

Science

  • 108 is sometimes cited as an approximate ratio between the Sun's diameter and Earth's diameter, and separately between the Earth–Sun distance and the Sun's diameter. These are popularised approximations rather than precise astronomical constants, and the degree of coincidence is disputed.

    DisputedScience

Common questions

Is 108 a prime number?

No, 108 is not prime.

What are the factors of 108?

The factors of 108 are 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18, 27, 36, 54, 108.

What is 108 in Roman numerals?

108 in Roman numerals is CVIII.

About this page's data

Mathematical facts:computed directly from the number's value — nothing to source or verify externally.

Contextual records: 2 reviewer-confirmed records, sourced and reviewed before publication.

Last reviewed: 15 July 2026