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BINOM.DIST Function
Summary
The BINOM.DIST function calculates binomial distribution probabilities for scenarios with a fixed number of independent trials, each having only two possible outcomes: success or failure. It supports both individual term probability and cumulative distribution calculations.
Syntax
BINOM.DIST(number_s, trials, probability_s, cumulative)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| number_s | Number |
Yes | Number of successes in the trials |
| trials | Number |
Yes | Total number of independent trials |
| probability_s | Number |
Yes | Success probability per trial (between 0 and 1) |
| cumulative | Boolean |
Yes | TRUE returns cumulative distribution, FALSE returns probability mass function |
Using the BINOM.DIST Function
BINOM.DIST is essential for statistical analysis in Excel, particularly when modeling binary outcomes across multiple trials. Use it to calculate probabilities in quality control (defective items), clinical trials (treatment success rates), marketing A/B tests, and any scenario following the binomial distribution assumptions.
Common BINOM.DIST Examples
Exact Probability of Successes
=BINOM.DIST(6,10,0.5,FALSE)Probability of exactly 6 successes in 10 trials with 50% success rate (0.2051)
Cumulative Probability
=BINOM.DIST(6,10,0.5,TRUE)Probability of 6 or fewer successes in 10 trials (0.6230)
Quality Control Example
=BINOM.DIST(2,20,0.05,FALSE)Probability of exactly 2 defective items in 20-unit batch with 5% defect rate
A/B Testing Scenario
=BINOM.DIST(45,100,0.4,TRUE)Probability of 45 or fewer conversions in 100 visitors when true rate is 40%
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#VALUE!
Cause: Non-numeric input for number_s, trials, or probability_s
Solution: Ensure all numeric parameters contain valid numbers
#NUM!
Cause: number_s < 0, number_s > trials, or probability_s outside 0-1 range
Solution: Verify number_s is between 0 and trials, probability_s between 0 and 1
#NAME?
Cause: Function misspelled
Solution: Use exact spelling: BINOM.DIST
Notes
- Available in Excel 2007 and later versions
- Replaces the legacy BINOMDIST function
- Mathematical foundation uses COMBIN(n,x) × p^x × (1-p)^(n-x)
- Perfect for modeling Bernoulli trial sequences
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+