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Combin

COMBIN Function

The COMBIN function in Excel is used to calculate the number of combinations (or subsets) that can be created by selecting a specific number of items from a larger set. This is commonly used in probability and statistics.

Syntax:

COMBIN(number, number_chosen)
  • number: This is a required argument. It specifies the total number of items in the set.
  • number_chosen: This is a required argument. It specifies the number of items to choose from the set.

The function calculates combinations using the formula:

COMBIN(number, number_chosen) = number! / (number_chosen! * (number - number_chosen)!)

Examples:

  1. =COMBIN(5, 2)
    Calculates the number of ways to choose 2 items from a set of 5 items.
    Result: 10

  2. =COMBIN(10, 3)
    Calculates the number of ways to choose 3 items from a set of 10 items.
    Result: 120

  3. =COMBIN(8, 1)
    Calculates the number of ways to choose 1 item from a set of 8 items.
    Result: 8

Notes:

  • The COMBIN function only works with non-negative integers. If either argument is non-integer or negative, Excel will return a #NUM! error.
  • The number_chosen argument must be less than or equal to the number argument, or the function will also return a #NUM! error.
  • This function does not account for order in selections—use PERMUT if the order of items matters.

Tip: Use the COMBIN function when solving problems related to lottery odds, project planning, or any other scenario where you need to calculate combinations without concern for order.