This table shows key Excel functions used for basic probability concepts including combinations, permutations, and basic probability distributions.
| Concept | Excel Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Combinations | =COMBIN(n, k) |
Choose 3 students from 10:=COMBIN(10, 3) |
| Permutations | =PERMUT(n, k) |
Arrange 3 students out of 10:=PERMUT(10, 3) |
| Factorial | =FACT(n) |
5! ==FACT(5) |
| Probability of Binomial | =BINOM.DIST(x, n, p, cumulative) |
P(X=2) in 5 coin flips (p=0.5):=BINOM.DIST(2, 5, 0.5, FALSE) |
| Probability of Poisson | =POISSON.DIST(x, mean, cumulative) |
P(X≤3) if mean = 2:=POISSON.DIST(3, 2, TRUE) |
| Random Number (Uniform 0-1) | =RAND() |
Generate a random value between 0 and 1:=RAND() |
| Random Integer | =RANDBETWEEN(bottom, top) |
Simulate dice roll (1–6):=RANDBETWEEN(1,6) |
| Expected Value | =SUMPRODUCT(x_range, p_range) |
For outcomes A2:A6 and probabilities B2:B6:=SUMPRODUCT(A2:A6, B2:B6) |
| Cumulative Probability (Normal) | =NORM.DIST(x, mean, std_dev, TRUE) |
P(X<75), μ=70, σ=5:=NORM.DIST(75, 70, 5, TRUE) |
| Inverse Normal | =NORM.INV(probability, mean, std_dev) |
Find X such that P(X<x)=0.9, μ=100, σ=15:=NORM.INV(0.9, 100, 15) |