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BINOMDIST Function
Summary
The BINOMDIST function calculates binomial distribution probabilities for scenarios with fixed trials where each has only success or failure outcomes. Perfect for modeling coin flips, quality control pass/fail rates, or medical test result probabilities.
Syntax
BINOMDIST(number_s, trials, probability_s, cumulative)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| number_s | Number |
Yes | Number of successes in the trials (integer) - truncated if decimal |
| trials | Number |
Yes | Total number of independent trials (integer) - truncated if decimal |
| probability_s | Number |
Yes | Probability of success per trial (0 to 1) |
| cumulative | Boolean |
Yes | TRUE returns cumulative distribution, FALSE returns probability mass function |
Using the BINOMDIST Function
BINOMDIST analyzes binary outcome experiments like coin toss sequences, defect rates in manufacturing, or pass/fail exam results. Use FALSE for exact match probability, TRUE for 'at most/at least' scenarios.
Common BINOMDIST Examples
Exact Success Probability
=BINOMDIST(6,10,0.5,FALSE)Probability of exactly 6 heads in 10 coin flips (20.51%)
Cumulative Probability
=BINOMDIST(6,10,0.5,TRUE)Probability of 6 or fewer heads in 10 coin flips
Quality Control Example
=BINOMDIST(2,20,0.05,FALSE)Probability of exactly 2 defects in 20 inspected items (5% defect rate)
Cumulative Quality Check
=BINOMDIST(3,20,0.05,TRUE)Probability of 3 or fewer defects in 20 items (acceptable quality threshold)
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE! error
Cause: Non-numeric input for number_s, trials, or probability_s
Solution: Ensure all numeric arguments contain numbers
#NUM! error - negative values
Cause: number_s < 0 or probability_s < 0
Solution: Successes can't be negative
#NUM! error - too many successes
Cause: number_s > trials
Solution: Can't have more successes than total trials
#NUM! error - invalid probability
Cause: probability_s > 1 or < 0
Solution: Probability must be between 0 and 1
Notes
- Legacy function - BINOM.DIST preferred for new work
- Truncates decimals in number_s and trials to integers
- Trials must be ≥ number_s
- Ideal for fixed trial count scenarios
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Excel 2024, Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel for the web
Not available in:
Content last reviewed: December 8, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Excel 2024, Excel for Microsoft 365, Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac, Excel for the web