COMBIN

Returns the number of combinations for a given number of items. Use COMBIN to determine the total possible number of groups for a given number of items.

Syntax

COMBIN(number,number_chosen)

Number is the number of items.

Number_chosen is the number of items in each combination.

Remarks

• Numeric arguments are truncated to integers.
• If either argument is nonnumeric, COMBIN returns the #VALUE! error value.
• If number < 0, number_chosen < 0, or number < number_chosen, COMBIN returns the #NUM! error value.
• A combination is any set or subset of items, regardless of their internal order. Combinations are distinct from permutations, for which the internal order is significant.
• The number of combinations is as follows, where number = n and number_chosen = k:

  

  where:

  

Example

The example may be easier to understand if you copy it to a blank worksheet.

How to copy an example

1. Create a blank workbook or worksheet.
2. Select the example in the Help topic.

   Note Do not select the row or column headers.

   Selecting an example from Help

3. Press CTRL+C.
4. In the worksheet, select cell A1, and press CTRL+V.
5. To switch between viewing the results and viewing the formulas that return the results, press CTRL+` (grave accent), or on the Formulas tab, in the Formula Auditing group, click the Show Formulas button.

See also:

• BINOMDIST
• CRITBINOM
• FACT
• HYPGEOMDIST
• Math and trigonometry functions
• NEGBINOMDIST
• PERMUT