The COMBINA function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool that enables users to calculate the number of unique combinations of items selected from a larger set, with the allowance for the same item to be chosen multiple times. This function is particularly useful in fields such as statistics, probability, and various applications where combination calculations are necessary.

Syntax

COMBINA(n, k)

n: Total number of objects available in the set.
k: Number of objects to choose from the set.

Example #1

=COMBINA(5, 2)

This function computes the number of ways to choose 2 objects from a set of 5, allowing for duplicates. The result would be 15.

Example #2

=COMBINA(3, 3)

This instance calculates how many ways you can select 3 objects from a set of 3, allowing repeats. The result is 1, as there’s only one way to do so: take all the items at once.

Example #3

=COMBINA(10, 4)

This function finds the number of ways to choose 4 objects from a pool of 10, allowing repetitions. The result is 210.

Error handling

• NUM!: This error occurs if either ‘n’ or ‘k’ is non-numeric or if ‘k’ is greater than ‘n’. Ensure both arguments are valid integers.
• VALUE!: Happens if the input arguments are of incorrect types (e.g., text instead of numbers). Double-check the values you input.

Conclusion

In summary, the COMBINA function in Google Sheets is an essential tool for anyone needing to calculate the number of ways to select items from a larger group while permitting repetitions. By understanding its syntax and applying it through the examples provided, users can effectively harness this function for various applications in their work.