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Combination Calculator (nCr)

Calculate the number of ways to choose r items from a set of n without regard to order.

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Understanding Combination Calculator (nCr)

Use this calculator to easily compute combination calculator (ncr). Simply enter the required values above and click calculate.

How to use

  • Enter your data in the input fields.
  • Double-check the units (if applicable).
  • Click the "Calculate" button to see the results.
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Reviewed by Dr. Alex M., Ph.D.
Last updated: November 2025

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Understanding Combinations (nCr)

Combinations are a fundamental concept in combinatorics, used to count the number of ways to select items from a group where the order of selection doesn't matter.

💡 Expert Tips

Order Doesn't Matter

This is the key difference. In a combination, {A, B, C} is the same as {C, B, A}. If order matters (like a password), use permutations instead.

Lottery Odds

Combinations are used to calculate lottery odds. For a 6/49 lottery, you are calculating 49C6, which is why the odds are so low!

Symmetry Property

nCr is equal to nC(n-r). Choosing 2 items to keep from 10 is the same mathematically as choosing 8 items to discard.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Confusing with Permutations

The most common error. Ask yourself: "Does it matter which one comes first?" If yes -> Permutation. If no -> Combination.

Repetition

Standard nCr assumes you cannot pick the same item twice (without replacement). If you can repeat items, you need a different formula.

Calculating Large Factorials

Factorials grow incredibly fast. 100! has 158 digits. Always simplify the fraction before multiplying if doing it by hand.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is a combination? +

A combination is a selection of items from a collection, such that the order of selection does not matter. It is often denoted as nCr.

What is the difference between combination and permutation? +

In a combination, order does NOT matter (e.g., a fruit salad). In a permutation, order DOES matter (e.g., a combination lock code).

What is the formula for nCr? +

The formula is nCr = n! / (r! * (n-r)!), where n is the total number of items, r is the number of items to choose, and ! denotes factorial.

Can n be smaller than r? +

No. You cannot choose more items than you have available. Therefore, n must always be greater than or equal to r.

What is 5 choose 3? +

5 choose 3 (5C3) is 10. There are 10 ways to choose 3 items from a set of 5.

📚 References