What is the syntax for HYPGEOM.DIST in Excel?

The syntax for HYPGEOM.DIST is: =HYPGEOM.DIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop, cumulative)

How do I use the HYPGEOM.DIST function?

To use HYPGEOM.DIST, type =HYPGEOM.DIST( 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 type of data does HYPGEOM.DIST work with?

HYPGEOM.DIST works with numerical data and can handle ranges, arrays, and individual values. It ignores text values and empty cells in its calculations, focusing only on numeric data for accurate statistical analysis.

Why is HYPGEOM.DIST not working in my Excel?

Common issues with HYPGEOM.DIST include #NUM! if parameters invalid. Start by checking the syntax =HYPGEOM.DIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop, cumulative), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Statistical

HYPGEOM.DIST Function in Excel

Returns the hypergeometric distribution.

Syntax

=HYPGEOM.DIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop, cumulative)

Arguments

sample_s (required): Successes in sample
number_sample (required): Sample size
population_s (required): Successes in population
number_pop (required): Population size
cumulative (required): TRUE for CDF, FALSE for PMF

Examples

=HYPGEOM.DIST(1, 4, 8, 20, FALSE) - Hypergeometric probability - Result: 0.363

HYPGEOM.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

Sampling without replacement
Quality control
Lottery calculations

Frequently asked questions

What is the HYPGEOM.DIST function in Excel? HYPGEOM.DIST returns the hypergeometric distribution. The syntax is =HYPGEOM.DIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop, cumulative). Typical use cases include sampling without replacement, quality control, lottery calculations.
How do I use the HYPGEOM.DIST function? To use HYPGEOM.DIST, type =HYPGEOM.DIST( 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 type of data does HYPGEOM.DIST work with? HYPGEOM.DIST works with numerical data and can handle ranges, arrays, and individual values. It ignores text values and empty cells in its calculations, focusing only on numeric data for accurate statistical analysis.
Why is HYPGEOM.DIST not working in my Excel? Common issues with HYPGEOM.DIST include #NUM! if parameters invalid. Start by checking the syntax =HYPGEOM.DIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop, cumulative), then verify each referenced cell or range.

Editorial review

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