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HYPGEOMDIST Function
Summary
The HYPGEOMDIST function calculates the hypergeometric probability distribution, determining the likelihood of observing a specific number of successes in a sample drawn without replacement from a finite population containing a known number of successes.
Syntax
HYPGEOMDIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| sample_s | Number |
Yes | Number of successes observed in the sample (truncated to integer) |
| number_sample | Number |
Yes | Total size of the sample drawn (truncated to integer) |
| population_s | Number |
Yes | Total number of successes in the entire population (truncated to integer) |
| number_pop | Number |
Yes | Total size of the population (truncated to integer) |
Using the HYPGEOMDIST Function
HYPGEOMDIST is essential for statistical analysis involving sampling without replacement from finite populations. Use it for quality control scenarios, defect analysis, or any situation where you're drawing a sample from a known population without putting items back.
Common HYPGEOMDIST Examples
Quality Control Sampling
=HYPGEOMDIST(1,4,8,20)Probability of finding exactly 1 defective item when testing 4 items from a batch of 20 containing 8 defectives. Returns 0.3633.
Batch Acceptance Testing
=HYPGEOMDIST(0,5,3,50)Probability of accepting a batch (finding 0 defectives) when testing 5 items from 50 with 3 defectives.
Population Survey Analysis
=HYPGEOMDIST(2,10,15,100)Probability of getting exactly 2 positive responses when surveying 10 people from 100 where 15 are positive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#NUM! - Invalid sample successes
Cause: sample_s < 0 or sample_s > MIN(number_sample, population_s)
Solution: Ensure 0 ≤ sample_s ≤ MIN(number_sample, population_s)
#NUM! - Sample size issue
Cause: number_sample ≤ 0 or number_sample > number_pop
Solution: Verify 0 < number_sample ≤ number_pop
#VALUE! error
Cause: Any argument contains non-numeric values
Solution: All inputs must be numbers
#NUM! - Population issues
Cause: population_s ≤ 0, population_s > number_pop, or number_pop ≤ 0
Solution: Ensure 0 < population_s ≤ number_pop
Notes
- All arguments truncated to integers
- Replaced by HYPGEOM.DIST for improved accuracy
- Used in non-replacement sampling scenarios
- Quality control and acceptance sampling classic
- Finite population correction built-in
Compatibility
Available in: Excel 2007, Excel 2010, Excel 2013, Excel 2016, Excel 2019, Excel 2021, Microsoft 365
Not available in: Excel 2003 and earlier
Content last reviewed: December 9, 2025
Update frequency: As needed
Excel versions tested: Excel 2007+