What is the syntax for COMBINA in Excel?

The syntax for COMBINA is: =COMBINA(number, number_chosen)

How do I use the COMBINA function?

To use COMBINA, type =COMBINA( in a cell and provide the required arguments. Excel will show you the syntax and parameter hints as you type. Make sure to close the parentheses and press Enter to execute the function.

What happens if COMBINA encounters errors?

If COMBINA encounters invalid arguments or calculation errors, it may return error values like #VALUE!, #NUM!, or #DIV/0!. Check your input values and ensure they meet the function's requirements.

Why is COMBINA not working in my Excel?

Common issues with COMBINA include #NUM! if parameters invalid. Start by checking the syntax =COMBINA(number, number_chosen), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Math & Trig

COMBINA Function in Excel

Returns the number of combinations with repetitions.

Syntax

=COMBINA(number, number_chosen)

Arguments

number (required): Total number of items
number_chosen (required): Items in each combination

Examples

=COMBINA(4, 3) - Combinations with repetition - Result: 20

COMBINA in reporting workflows

Use absolute references when copying formulas across rows.
For conditional totals see [SUMIF](/functions/sumif/) and [SUMIFS](/functions/sumifs/).
Filtered lists may need [SUBTOTAL](/functions/subtotal/) instead of SUM on visible cells only.

Common errors

#NUM! if parameters invalid

Use cases

Probability with replacement
Statistics
Combinatorics

Frequently asked questions

What is the COMBINA function in Excel? COMBINA returns the number of combinations with repetitions. The syntax is =COMBINA(number, number_chosen). Typical use cases include probability with replacement, statistics, combinatorics.
How do I use the COMBINA function? To use COMBINA, type =COMBINA( in a cell and provide the required arguments. Excel will show you the syntax and parameter hints as you type. Make sure to close the parentheses and press Enter to execute the function.
What happens if COMBINA encounters errors? If COMBINA encounters invalid arguments or calculation errors, it may return error values like #VALUE!, #NUM!, or #DIV/0!. Check your input values and ensure they meet the function's requirements.
Why is COMBINA not working in my Excel? Common issues with COMBINA include #NUM! if parameters invalid. Start by checking the syntax =COMBINA(number, number_chosen), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Editorial review

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