A content addressable memory (CAM) device for use in various sizes of systems while requiring minimal circuitry to enlarge the size of the prioritization circuitry. In smaller systems, the CAM device determines the highest priority CAM device having a match. In larger systems, an external logic device determines the highest priority CAM device having a match and then provides that information to each CAM device in the system. In both smaller and larger systems the CAM device determines if it is the highest priority CAM device having a match. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the CAM device needs only minimal programming to be configured to be utilized in either a larger or smaller system.