In this article
BINOMDIST returns the binomial probability. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends BINOM.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=BINOMDIST(number_s, trials, probability_s, cumulative)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
number_s |
Successes |
trials |
n |
probability_s |
p |
cumulative |
TRUE/FALSE |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(BINOMDIST(A2,B2,C2,FALSE),4)Result: 0.1937. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use BINOM.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
BINOMDIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use BINOMDIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in BINOM.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| k | n | p | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 10 | 0.1 | =ROUND(BINOMDIST(A2,B2,C2,FALSE),4) | 0.1937 |
| 0 | 20 | 0.05 | =ROUND(BINOMDIST(A3,B3,C3,FALSE),4) | 0.3585 |
| 5 | 10 | 0.5 | =ROUND(BINOMDIST(A4,B4,C4,FALSE),4) | 0.2461 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as BINOM.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using BINOMDIST in new files | Prefer BINOM.DIST: same result, clearer name, and the function Microsoft keeps improving |
| Mixing old and new names in one model | Pick one style per workbook so formulas are easy to audit |
Related functions
📚 Part of the free Excel course: Beginner → Expert · Try it in the Formula Lab or ask the AI Helper.
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