Math and Trignometric - COMBIN Function
Description
The COMBIN function 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)
Arguments
Argument | Description | Required/Optional |
---|---|---|
Number | The number of items. | Required |
Number_chosen | The number of items in each combination. | Required |
Notes
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 −
$$\binom{n}{k} = \frac{P_{k,n}}{k!} = \frac{n!}{k!\left ( n-k \right )!}$$
Where,
$$P_{k,n} = \frac{n!}{\left ( n-k \right )!}$$
Numeric arguments are truncated to integers.
If either of the arguments is nonnumeric, COMBIN returns the #VALUE! error value.
If number < 0, number_chosen < 0, or number < number_chosen, COMBIN returns the #NUM! error value.
Applicability
Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016