The Excel CRITBINOM function returns the smallest number of successes for which the cumulative binomial probability is at least a target value. It is the legacy name of BINOM.INV, introduced in Excel 2010.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
trials | Required | The number of Bernoulli (independent) trials. |
probability_s | Required | The probability of success on each trial. |
alpha | Required | The target cumulative probability (criterion value) that must be reached or exceeded. |
How to use it
CRITBINOM is the inverse of the cumulative binomial: it scans upward and returns the smallest number of successes k whose cumulative probability is at least alpha.
It is widely used in acceptance sampling and quality control — for example, the maximum number of defects to allow before rejecting a batch. The forward direction (count to probability) is handled by BINOMDIST.
Use BINOM.INV instead: =BINOM.INV(10,0.5,0.75) in Excel 2010+ returns the same value. CRITBINOM is kept only for backward compatibility.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a CRITBINOM example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What is the modern replacement for CRITBINOM?
BINOM.INV, added in Excel 2010, with the same three arguments. =BINOM.INV(10,0.5,0.75) equals =CRITBINOM(10,0.5,0.75).What exactly does CRITBINOM return?
k for which the cumulative binomial probability (k or fewer successes) first reaches or exceeds the target alpha.How is CRITBINOM related to BINOMDIST?
Where is CRITBINOM used in practice?
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