BINOM.DIST.RANGE Function

Most commonly occurs when: (1) probability_s is not between 0 and 1, (2) trials is negative, (3) number_s or number_s2 are negative or greater than trials, or (4) number_s2 is less than number_s. This error indicates that one or more parameters violate the mathematical constraints of the binomial distribution.

1. Verify probability_s is between 0 and 1 inclusive (use MIN/MAX functions to constrain if needed) 2. Ensure trials is a non-negative integer (use ROUND or INT if working with calculated values) 3. Check that 0 <= number_s <= number_s2 <= trials 4. Use ISNUMBER() to validate inputs before calculation 5. For percentage inputs, divide by 100 (e.g., 5% should be 0.05, not 5) 6. Add input validation: =IF(OR(B2<0, B2>1), "Invalid Probability", BINOM.DIST.RANGE(A2,B2,C2,D2))

Create data validation rules for input cells: probability between 0 and 1, trials as positive integers, and logical ordering of success counts. Use dropdown lists for common probability values.

Arguments contain non-numeric values, text strings, or cell references to text. Excel cannot perform calculations on text data even if it looks like a number. This often occurs with imported data where numbers are stored as text, cells containing formulas that return text, or cells with hidden formatting characters.

1. Check all referenced cells contain numbers, not text (look for left-aligned numbers, which indicate text) 2. Use VALUE() function to convert text numbers to numeric values: =BINOM.DIST.RANGE(VALUE(A2), VALUE(B2), VALUE(C2), VALUE(D2)) 3. Verify no hidden characters or spaces in cells using CLEAN() or TRIM() functions 4. Use ISNUMBER() to test if inputs are numeric: =IF(AND(ISNUMBER(A2), ISNUMBER(B2), ISNUMBER(C2)), BINOM.DIST.RANGE(...), "Invalid type") 5. Check for dates or times formatted as numbers—these may cause unexpected results 6. Re-type values directly into cells if import formatting is problematic

Format input cells as Number before entering data. When importing data, use Text to Columns feature to convert text numbers to actual numbers. Build validation formulas that test data types before performing calculations.

Logic error in parameter order or misunderstanding of range boundaries. Common mistakes include: (1) swapping trials and probability_s positions, (2) using number_s2 as exclusive upper bound instead of inclusive (thinking 3 to 7 means 3 to 6), (3) expecting cumulative probability from 0 instead of from number_s, (4) entering probability as percentage (30) instead of decimal (0.3), or (5) confusion about whether endpoints are included in the range.

1. Double-check parameter order: trials first, then probability, then lower bound, then upper bound 2. Remember number_s2 is INCLUSIVE (range 3 to 7 includes both 3 and 7, giving 5 values total) 3. Verify probability_s is decimal (0.3) not percentage (30) 4. For cumulative probability from 0 to X, use: =BINOM.DIST.RANGE(trials, prob, 0, X) 5. Validate expected value: trials × probability should equal approximate midpoint of range 6. Test with known scenarios: =BINOM.DIST.RANGE(100, 0.5, 50, 50) should give ~0.08 (probability of exactly 50 heads in 100 coin flips) 7. Cross-check results using BINOM.DIST for verification

Use named ranges or clearly labeled cell references to avoid parameter confusion. Create a helper column showing expected value (trials × probability) to validate that your range makes sense. Document what each parameter represents in adjacent cells for complex models.