ToolBark
Math

Binomial Coefficient Calculator

Calculate C(n, k) instantly — exact results for any n and k

Inputs

Result

C(10, 3) =120

Formula

C(10, 3) = 10! / (3! × 7!) = 120

n (total items)10
k (chosen items)3
n − k (not chosen)7
C(n, k)120

Digit count: 3 digits

Reference

Binomial Coefficient C(n, k)
The number of ways to choose k items from n items where order does not matter. Also written nCk or "n choose k".
Formula
C(n, k) = n! / (k! × (n−k)!), where ! denotes factorial.
Pascal's Triangle
An arrangement of binomial coefficients where each entry is the sum of the two directly above: C(n,k) = C(n−1,k−1) + C(n−1,k).
Symmetry
C(n, k) = C(n, n−k). Choosing k items is equivalent to choosing which n−k items to leave out.
Edge Cases
C(n, 0) = C(n, n) = 1. C(n, k) = 0 when k > n.
Applications
Combinatorics, probability (binomial distribution), polynomial expansion (Binomial Theorem), statistics.

Common values

ExpressionValueContext
C(52, 5)2,598,9605-card poker hands from a 52-card deck
C(49, 6)13,983,8166/49 lottery combinations
C(10, 5)252Choosing 5 from 10
C(20, 10)184,756Choosing 10 from 20
C(100, 2)4,950Pairs from 100 items
About

The binomial coefficient calculator computes C(n, k) — read "n choose k" — the number of ways to select k items from a set of n items where order does not matter. Using exact BigInt arithmetic, it handles values far beyond what floating-point allows, displays the full formula, and optionally renders Pascal's triangle with your result highlighted.

FAQ
What is a binomial coefficient?+

A binomial coefficient C(n, k), also written nCk or "n choose k", counts the number of ways to pick k items from n distinct items when order does not matter. It equals n! divided by (k! times (n minus k)!).

What happens when k is greater than n?+

C(n, k) equals 0 when k exceeds n, because you cannot choose more items than are available. The calculator shows this result with an explanatory note.

How does the calculator handle very large numbers?+

The tool uses JavaScript BigInt arithmetic, which provides exact integer results regardless of size — no floating-point rounding errors. C(100, 50) for example has 29 digits and is computed correctly.

What is Pascal's triangle and how does it relate?+

Pascal's triangle arranges binomial coefficients in rows where each entry is the sum of the two entries directly above it. Row n of Pascal's triangle contains C(n,0) through C(n,n). The calculator can display the triangle with your specific C(n,k) value highlighted, for n up to 14.

Related tools