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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.