# Google Sheets BINOMDIST Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/binomdist-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) Returns the probability of a given number of successes in a fixed number of independent trials. ``` =BINOMDIST(num_successes, num_trials, prob_success, cumulative) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the BINOMDIST you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters | Parameter | Required | Description | | - | - | - | | **num\_successes** | Yes | The number of successes to evaluate. Decimals are truncated to a whole number. | | **num\_trials** | Yes | The total number of independent trials. | | **prob\_success** | Yes | The probability of success on each trial, between 0 and 1. | | **cumulative** | Yes | FALSE returns the probability of exactly **num\_successes**; TRUE returns the probability of **num\_successes** or fewer. | ## What Is BINOMDIST? BINOMDIST calculates probabilities from the binomial distribution. It applies whenever you repeat the same yes/no experiment a fixed number of times, each attempt is independent, and the chance of success is the same every time. Coin flips, email opens, defective parts in a batch, and free throws all fit this pattern. BINOMDIST is the legacy name. The modern equivalent in Google Sheets is **BINOM.DIST**, which takes exactly the same four arguments and returns the same results. Either name works; BINOM.DIST is preferred in new spreadsheets. ## How BINOMDIST Works You tell the function how many trials there are, the probability of success on each, and the number of successes you care about. The **cumulative** argument then decides the question being answered: - **FALSE**: probability of **exactly** that many successes (the probability mass function) - **TRUE**: probability of **at most** that many successes (the cumulative distribution function) ## Basic Examples ### Exactly 3 heads in 10 coin flips ``` =BINOMDIST(3, 10, 0.5, FALSE) ``` Returns about 0.1172, an 11.7% chance. ### At most 3 heads in 10 flips ``` =BINOMDIST(3, 10, 0.5, TRUE) ``` Returns about 0.1719. ### At least 8 successes ``` =1 - BINOMDIST(7, 20, 0.3, TRUE) ``` The probability of 8 or more successes in 20 trials with a 30% success rate. Subtract the "7 or fewer" probability from 1. ### Between two values ``` =BINOMDIST(12, 50, 0.2, TRUE) - BINOMDIST(7, 50, 0.2, TRUE) ``` The probability of between 8 and 12 successes, inclusive. ## Translating Common Questions | Question | Formula | | - | - | | Exactly *k* | `BINOMDIST(k, n, p, FALSE)` | | At most *k* | `BINOMDIST(k, n, p, TRUE)` | | Fewer than *k* | `BINOMDIST(k-1, n, p, TRUE)` | | At least *k* | `1 - BINOMDIST(k-1, n, p, TRUE)` | | More than *k* | `1 - BINOMDIST(k, n, p, TRUE)` | ## Common Use Cases - **Quality control**: chance of finding more than 2 defects in a sample of 50 - **Marketing**: probability that at least 30 of 200 recipients click, given a typical click rate - **Sales**: chance of closing a certain number of deals from a pipeline - **Sports and games**: likelihood of a set number of wins - **Capacity planning**: probability that more customers show up than you have slots for ## Common Errors - **#NUM!**: **num\_successes** is negative or greater than **num\_trials**, or **prob\_success** is outside 0 to 1. - **#VALUE!**: An argument is non-numeric, or **cumulative** is not TRUE/FALSE. - **Off-by-one mistakes**: "At least 8" needs `1 - BINOMDIST(7, …, TRUE)`, not 8. - **Non-independent trials**: The binomial model assumes trials do not affect each other. Sampling without replacement from a small group calls for HYPGEOMDIST instead. ## Tips and Best Practices - The expected number of successes is n × p. Compare it with your result as a sanity check. - Build a full distribution table by listing 0 to *n* in a column and referencing it in BINOMDIST with FALSE; chart the result to see the shape. - For the reverse problem, finding the number of successes that matches a probability, use [BINOM.INV](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/binominv-function). - Round probabilities for reports with [ROUND](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/round-function). ## Related Functions - [BINOM.INV](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/binominv-function): smallest count whose cumulative probability meets a target - [BETADIST](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/betadist-function): models the success rate itself - [AVERAGE](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/average-function): the mean of a data set - [ROUND](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/round-function): tidy up probability results - [IF](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/if-function): turn a probability into a decision ## Example use case A support lead knows about 5% of tickets escalate. Using =1-BINOMDIST(9, 120, 0.05, TRUE), they find the probability that 10 or more of the 120 tickets expected tomorrow will escalate, helping decide whether to schedule an extra specialist. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Insert Multiple Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-insert-multiple-rows-in-google-sheets) - [How To Lock A Row In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-a-row-in-google-sheets) - [How To Lock Cells In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-cells-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Copy Of An Google Sheets Sheet](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-copy-of-an-google-sheets-sheet) - [How To Make A Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-graph-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Histogram In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-histogram-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Line Graph In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-line-graph-in-google-sheets) - [How To Make A Pie Chart In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-make-a-pie-chart-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. Open a neutral research prompt in the AI tool you already use. Compare capabilities, limitations, and fit before you choose. 1. [01ChatGPTOpen a balanced comparison prompt in ChatGPT.](https://chatgpt.com/?prompt=Compare%20Better%20Analyst%20with%20using%20a%20general-purpose%20AI%20assistant%20for%20data%20analysis.%20Evaluate%20spreadsheet%20and%20document%20analysis%2C%20dashboards%2C%20repeatable%20reports%2C%20code%20transparency%2C%20data%20connections%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20limitations.%20Use%20current%20public%20sources%2C%20distinguish%20verified%20facts%20from%20assumptions%2C%20and%20explain%20which%20types%20of%20users%20each%20option%20fits%20best.) 2. [02ClaudeOpen the same research prompt in Claude.](https://claude.ai/new?q=Compare%20Better%20Analyst%20with%20using%20a%20general-purpose%20AI%20assistant%20for%20data%20analysis.%20Evaluate%20spreadsheet%20and%20document%20analysis%2C%20dashboards%2C%20repeatable%20reports%2C%20code%20transparency%2C%20data%20connections%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20limitations.%20Use%20current%20public%20sources%2C%20distinguish%20verified%20facts%20from%20assumptions%2C%20and%20explain%20which%20types%20of%20users%20each%20option%20fits%20best.) 3. [03PerplexityResearch the comparison with linked web sources.](https://www.perplexity.ai/search?q=Compare%20Better%20Analyst%20with%20using%20a%20general-purpose%20AI%20assistant%20for%20data%20analysis.%20Evaluate%20spreadsheet%20and%20document%20analysis%2C%20dashboards%2C%20repeatable%20reports%2C%20code%20transparency%2C%20data%20connections%2C%20pricing%2C%20and%20limitations.%20Use%20current%20public%20sources%2C%20distinguish%20verified%20facts%20from%20assumptions%2C%20and%20explain%20which%20types%20of%20users%20each%20option%20fits%20best.) AI answers can be incomplete. Check source links, current pricing, and product documentation before deciding.