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PERMUT Function
Summary
The PERMUT function calculates the number of permutations possible from a set of objects, where the order of selection matters. Essential for probability calculations, lottery analysis, and combinatorial problems where arrangement sequence is significant.
Syntax
PERMUT(number, number_chosen)Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| number | Number |
Yes | The total count of objects from which permutations are formed |
| number_chosen | Number |
Yes | The size of each permutation (items to choose and arrange) |
Using the PERMUT Function
PERMUT is invaluable for scenarios requiring ordered arrangements like lottery number sequences, competition rankings, password combinations, and statistical sampling where position matters. Unlike COMBIN, PERMUT accounts for different arrangements of the same items.
Common PERMUT Examples
Basic Permutation Calculation
=PERMUT(100,3)Calculates permutations of 100 items taken 3 at a time. Result: 970200.
Small Group Example
=PERMUT(3,2)For 3 people (A,B,C), permutations of 2: AB,AC,BA,BC,CA,CB. Result: 6.
Practical Lottery Example
=PERMUT(49,6)Calculates ordered 6-number combinations from 49 lottery balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Errors and Solutions
#NUM! error
Cause: number < number_chosen, number ≤ 0, or number_chosen < 0
Solution: Ensure number ≥ number_chosen ≥ 0
#VALUE! error
Cause: Non-numeric input
Solution: Use only numeric values for both parameters
Notes
- Arguments are automatically truncated to integers
- Maximum practical limit around 170 due to factorial growth
- Use PERMUTATIONA for permutations with repetition allowed
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+