COMBIN

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 #NAME? 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

Suppose you want to form a two-person team from eight candidates, and you want to know how many possible teams can be formed. COMBIN(8, 2) equals 28 teams.