Excel - PERMUTATIONA Function



PERMUTATIONA Function

The PERMUTATIONA function calculates the total permutations of a certain number of objects, permitting repetitions, chosen from the entire set of objects. It comes in Excel Statistical function and was added in Excel 2013.

The mathematical equation of the PERMUTATIONA function is −

PERMUTATIONA=TotalChosenPERMUTATIONA=TotalChosen

Compatibility

This advanced Excel function is compatible with the following versions of MS Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016
  • Excel 2013

Syntax

The syntax of the PERMUTATIONA function is as follows −

=PERMUTATIONA(number, number-chosen)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the PERMUTATIONA function −

Argument Description Required/ Optional
Number An integer that describes the total number of objects. Required
Number_chosen An integer that describes the number of objects in each permutation. Required

Points to Remember

  • If any argument contains a decimal value, it would be truncated to integers.
  • If the number argument contains a negative value, then the PERMUTATIONA retrieves the #NUM! error.
  • If the non-numeric value is specified in any of the arguments, then the PERMUTATIONA function retrieves the #VALUE! error.
  • If number_chosen contains a negative value, then the PERMUTATIONA function returns the #NUM! error.
  • If the number is less than number_chosen, then the PERMUTATIONA function retrieves the #NUM! error.

Examples of PERMUTA Function

Practice the following examples to learn the use of the PERMUTA function in Excel.

Example 1: How to compute the number of permutations utilizing the PERMUTA function in Excel?

In this example, we will explore the PERMUTA function by supplying the total number of items(number argument) and selected number of items(number_chosen argument) in the function.

Solution

First, assume the sample dataset where the Number and Number chosen values are specified in the C2 and C3 cells. Double-click on the C4 cell, write the formula =PERMUTATIONA(C2,C3) and press the Enter tab.

PERMUTATIONA Function1

Therefore, the PERMUTATIONA function returns the 512 as it computes the number of permutations of 8 objects selected only 3 objects with repetitions.

PERMUTATIONA Function2

Example 2

If the number argument contains a negative value, then the PERMUTATIONA retrieves the #NUM! error.

Solution

First, navigate to the sheet 2. You may enter the formula =PERMUTATIONA(4,-1) in the B2 cell and press the Enter tab. Here, the second argument contains a negative value which is strictly prohibited.

PERMUTATIONA Function3

Hence, the result is #NUM! error.

PERMUTATIONA Function4

Example 3

If the non-numeric value is specified in any of the arguments, then the PERMUTATIONA function retrieves the #VALUE! error.

Solution

You may write the formula =PERMUTATIONA("df",4) in the B3 cell and press the Enter tab.

PERMUTATIONA Function5

In this screenshot, the first argument contains the text value "df". After pressing the Enter tab, the PERMUTATIONA function generates the #VALUE! error.

PERMUTATIONA Function6

Download Practice Sheet

You can download and use the sample data sheet to practice the PERMUTATIONA function.

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