# Google Sheets NEGBINOM.DIST Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/negbinom.dist-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) The NEGBINOM.DIST function calculates the probability of a specified number of successes in a negative binomial distribution. ``` NEGBINOM.DIST(num_failures, num_successes, prob_success) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the NEGBINOM.DIST you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters **`num_failures`**:\ The number of failures until the experiment is stopped. **`num_successes`**:\ The number of successes that you want to achieve. **`prob_success`**:\ The probability of success on each trial. ## What is NEGBINOM.DIST? The *NEGBINOM.DIST* function in Google Sheets is a statistical function used to calculate the negative binomial distribution. This distribution is useful in scenarios where you want to find the probability of a certain number of successes in a sequence of independent and identically distributed Bernoulli trials, where the trials continue until a specified number of successes is achieved. In simpler terms, NEGBINOM.DIST helps you understand the likelihood of achieving a certain number of successes before a specified number of failures occurs. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are analyzing the performance of a sales team, and you want to determine the probability of achieving a certain number of sales (successes) before reaching a specific number of unsuccessful sales (failures). ### Sales Data: - **Number of successes (k)**: 5 (the number of sales you want to achieve) - **Number of failures (r)**: 3 (the number of unsuccessful sales you are willing to tolerate) - **Probability of success (p)**: 0.4 (the probability of making a sale) ## NEGBINOM.DIST Formula To calculate the probability of achieving 5 sales before 3 failures, you would use the NEGBINOM.DIST function as follows: ``` =NEGBINOM.DIST(5, 3, 0.4, FALSE) ``` In this formula: - `5` is the number of successes (k). - `3` is the number of failures (r). - `0.4` is the probability of success (p). - `FALSE` indicates that you want the probability mass function (PMF), which gives the probability of exactly k successes. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the NEGBINOM.DIST formula, it will return the probability of achieving exactly 5 sales before 3 failures. For example, if the result is `0.179`, it means there is a 17.9% chance of making exactly 5 sales before encountering 3 unsuccessful attempts. ## Why Use NEGBINOM.DIST? NEGBINOM.DIST is beneficial for analyzing scenarios involving repeated trials until a specified number of successes is reached. It is particularly useful in fields such as sales forecasting, quality control, and any situation where understanding the probability of success in a series of trials is essential. ## Key Takeaways: - **NEGBINOM.DIST**: A statistical function that calculates the negative binomial distribution. - **Applications**: Useful for scenarios involving repeated trials until a certain number of successes is achieved. - **Probability Calculation**: Helps in determining the likelihood of achieving a specific number of successes before a set number of failures. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for sales analysis, risk assessment, and any situation requiring probability calculations in trial-based scenarios. NEGBINOM.DIST is a valuable function for anyone working with statistical data in Google Sheets, providing insights into the probabilities of success in various scenarios. Happy spreadsheeting! ## Example use case You have a table where Column A lists the number of failures before success in a project, and Column B lists the probability of success. You can use NEGBINOM.DIST to calculate the probability of achieving a specific number of successes, aiding in project forecasting. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. 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