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Permutation and Combination Calculator

Calculate permutations (nPr) and combinations (nCr) for choosing r items from n.

Permutations (nPr)
20
Combinations (nCr)
10

How it works

  1. 1Enter the total number of items (n) and how many you choose (r).
  2. 2Permutations (nPr) count ordered arrangements; combinations (nCr) count unordered selections.
  3. 3If r is greater than n, the result is shown as "—".

Use cases

  • Count how many ways to arrange or seat people.
  • Work out lottery or card-hand combinations.
  • Solve probability and counting homework.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a permutation and a combination?

Permutations count arrangements where order matters (nPr = n!/(n−r)!). Combinations count selections where order does not (nCr = n!/(r!(n−r)!)).

What does nPr mean?

The number of ordered ways to choose r items from n. For example, 5P2 = 20.

What does nCr mean?

The number of unordered ways to choose r items from n. For example, 5C2 = 10.

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