Statistical

BINOM.DIST Function in Excel

Returns the individual term binomial distribution probability.

Syntax

  • =BINOM.DIST(number_s, trials, probability_s, cumulative)

Arguments

  • number_s (required): Number of successes
  • trials (required): Number of trials
  • probability_s (required): Probability of success
  • cumulative (required): TRUE for CDF, FALSE for PMF

Examples

  • =BINOM.DIST(6, 10, 0.5, FALSE) - Exactly 6 successes in 10 trials - Result: 0.205

BINOM.DIST for data analysis

  • Confirm whether you need entire columns, filtered subsets, or distinct values.
  • Use [COUNTIFS](/functions/countifs/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/) for multi-criteria metrics.
  • Pivot tables complement single-cell statistical formulas for exploration.

Common errors

  • #NUM! if parameters invalid

Use cases

  • Probability calculations
  • Quality control
  • A/B testing

Frequently asked questions

  • How do I calculate the probability of getting exactly 3 heads in 10 coin flips? Use =BINOM.DIST(3, 10, 0.5, FALSE). Parameters: 3 successes (heads), 10 trials (flips), 0.5 probability (fair coin), FALSE for exact probability. Result: ~11.7% chance of exactly 3 heads.
  • What is the difference between cumulative TRUE and FALSE? FALSE gives probability of exactly that many successes. TRUE gives probability of that many OR FEWER. For 'at least' calculations, use 1-BINOM.DIST(n-1, trials, prob, TRUE) for probability of n or more successes.
  • How do I use BINOM.DIST for quality control? If defect rate is 2%, probability of finding 5+ defects in 100 items: =1-BINOM.DIST(4, 100, 0.02, TRUE). This calculates P(X≥5) = 1 - P(X≤4). Useful for setting inspection thresholds.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.