Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a least recently used item of a set or group of items is disclosed. In accordance the method, a count value is associated with each item. A first count value is assigned to an oldest item, a second count value is assigned to a newest item, and items having an age between the oldest and newest are assigned successive count values between the first and second count values in accordance with the age of the item. When an item is accessed, a pivot count value associated with the accessed item is determined. Each count value between the pivot count value and second count value is incremented in the direction of the first count value. The count value associated with the accessed item is then reset to the second count value. The least recently used item is identified as that item associated the first count value. One or more embodiments of the invention comprise apparatus for performing the method of the invention.