Syntax
COMBINA(n, k)
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| n | Parameter of the COMBINA function. |
| k | Parameter of the COMBINA function. |
Examples
Ice cream scoops
Formula
=COMBINA(5, 3)
Returns 35. If there are 5 flavors and you're getting a 3-scoop cone (repeats allowed, order doesn't matter), there are 35 possible combinations.
Distributing items
Formula
=COMBINA(4, 6)
Returns 84. There are 84 ways to distribute 6 identical balls into 4 distinct boxes.
Two from three types
Formula
=COMBINA(3, 2)
Returns 6. Choosing 2 items from 3 types with repetition: AA, AB, AC, BB, BC, CC.
Common Errors
#NUM!
Both arguments must be non-negative. Negative values return #NUM!.
#VALUE!
Non-numeric arguments return #VALUE!.
Tips
Stars and bars
COMBINA solves the classic 'stars and bars' problem in combinatorics: distributing k identical items among n distinct bins.
Larger than COMBIN
COMBINA(n,k) is always >= COMBIN(n,k) because allowing repetitions creates more possibilities.
Real-world use
Portfolio selection (can buy multiple shares of the same stock), menu ordering (can order the same dish twice), or dice combinations.
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