The HYPGEOMDIST function in Google Sheets is designed to help users calculate the probability of achieving a given number of successes in a specified number of trials, all drawn from a finite population. This function is particularly useful in scenarios where outcomes are not independent, such as in quality control and risk management.

Syntax

HYPGEOMDIST(k, n, M, N)

• k: The number of successes in the sample.
• n: The number of draws (trials).
• M: The total number of successes in the population.
• N: The total population size.

Example #1

HYPGEOMDIST(2, 5, 10, 30)

This function calculates the probability of drawing 2 successes in 5 trials from a population of 30, which has 10 successes. The result could be approximately 0.175 or 17.5%.

Example #2

HYPGEOMDIST(1, 3, 5, 20)

This call evaluates the probability of getting 1 success in 3 draws from a population of 20, where there are 5 successes. The result might be roughly 0.276 or 27.6%.

Example #3

HYPGEOMDIST(3, 6, 8, 25)

Here, the function assesses the likelihood of obtaining 3 successes in 6 trials from a population of 25, with 8 successes present. The output could indicate a probability near 0.121 or 12.1%.

Error handling

• NUM! This error occurs if any of the parameters are negative or if the number of successes (k) is greater than the total successes (M) or the number of draws (n) exceeds the population size (N).
• VALUE! This error indicates that one or more of the parameters are non-numeric values, which should be numeric.

Conclusion

The HYPGEOMDIST function is a powerful tool for calculating probabilities in scenarios involving dependent events, allowing users to understand better the distribution of successes within a given population. By using this function, you can make informed decisions based on statistical probabilities, providing valuable insights into various fields such as research, finance, and quality assurance.