The Excel BINOM.DIST function returns the binomial probability — the chance of a given number of successes in a fixed number of independent yes/no trials, each with the same success probability.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
number_s | Required | The number of successes you are interested in. |
trials | Required | The total number of independent trials. |
probability_s | Required | The probability of success on any single trial (0 to 1). |
cumulative | Required | TRUE for the probability of up to number_s successes; FALSE for exactly number_s. |
How to use it
BINOM.DIST models repeated yes/no trials — coin flips, pass/fail tests, defect checks. The cumulative switch decides whether you want the chance of an exact count or a running total.
With FALSE you get the probability mass at exactly number_s successes; with TRUE you get the cumulative probability of 0 through number_s successes added together.
Need a range of successes? Use BINOM.DIST.RANGE to get the probability of, say, between 4 and 6 successes directly — no subtracting two cumulative values by hand.
Try it: interactive demo
Pick a BINOM.DIST example to see the formula and its result.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What does the cumulative argument control?
number_s successes. TRUE returns the probability of at most number_s successes (0 through number_s, summed).What is a binomial trial?
How do I find the chance of a range of successes?
BINOM.DIST.RANGE, which takes a lower and upper success count directly.How is BINOM.DIST different from BINOMDIST?
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