In this article
HYPGEOMDIST returns the probability of k successes when sampling without replacement. It is a compatibility function: Excel keeps it so workbooks from Excel 2007 and earlier still calculate, but Microsoft recommends HYPGEOM.DIST for new work. Both give the same result.
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Syntax
=HYPGEOMDIST(sample_s, number_sample, population_s, number_pop)| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
sample_s |
k |
number_sample |
Sample size |
population_s |
Successes in population |
number_pop |
Population |
Examples
Example 1
=ROUND(HYPGEOMDIST(A2,B2,C2,D2),4)Result: 0.8147. See the worked example table below for more cases.
💡 For new workbooks use HYPGEOM.DIST: it gives the same answer and is the name Microsoft keeps documenting.
HYPGEOMDIST in practice
Where you will use it
- Opening and checking older workbooks that use HYPGEOMDIST
- Understanding formulas shared by colleagues on older Excel versions
- Knowing when to swap in HYPGEOM.DIST for clarity
Worked example
| k | Sample | Defects | Lot | Formula | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 20 | 5 | 500 | =ROUND(HYPGEOMDIST(A2,B2,C2,D2),4) | 0.8147 |
| 1 | 20 | 5 | 500 | =ROUND(HYPGEOMDIST(A3,B3,C3,D3),4) | 0.1712 |
| 2 | 50 | 10 | 1000 | =ROUND(HYPGEOMDIST(A4,B4,C4,D4),4) | 0.0743 |
Results calculated in Excel. Same result as HYPGEOM.DIST.
Mistakes people make
| Mistake | What to do instead |
|---|---|
| Using HYPGEOMDIST in new files | Prefer HYPGEOM.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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