A priority encoder circuit (300) for a content addressable memory (CAM) device is disclosed that may include a priority selection circuit (310) that receives match results (M0 to Mz) and provides prioritized match results (P0 to Pz), and a logic section (350) that logically combines prioritized match results (P0 to Pz) to generate a smaller number of encoder inputs (RWL0 to RWLr). A logic section (350) can also generate a first portion (ID0) of an encoded value (ID0 to IDX). Encoder entries (314-0 to 314-r) may each generate a second portion (ID1 to IDX) of an encoded value (ID0 to IDX).