COMBIN

Applies to: Calculated column Calculated table Measure Visual calculation

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)  

Parameters

Term Definition
number The number of items.
number_chosen The number of items in each combination.

Return value

Returns the number of combinations for a given number of items.

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 = $k$:

    $${n \choose k} = \frac{P_{k,n}}{k!} = \frac{n!}{k!(n-k)!}$$

    Where

    $$P_{k,n} = \frac{n!}{(n-k)!}$$

  • This function is not supported for use in DirectQuery mode when used in calculated columns or row-level security (RLS) rules.

Example

Formula Description Result
= COMBIN(8,2) Possible two-person teams that can be formed from 8 candidates. 28