Permutation & Combination Calculator

Calculate how many ways you can arrange or choose items — permutations (order matters) and combinations (order doesn't).

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What is the Permutation & Combination Calculator?

Permutations and combinations both count the number of ways to select r items from a group of n, but differ on whether order matters. Permutations (nPr) count arrangements — like how many ways 3 runners can finish 1st, 2nd and 3rd out of 10 — where swapping the order creates a different outcome. Combinations (nCr) count selections — like how many different 3-person committees can be formed from 10 people — where order doesn't matter at all.

How to Calculate

Enter n (the total number of items) and r (how many you're choosing or arranging). Permutations are computed as n! ÷ (n−r)!, and combinations as n! ÷ (r! × (n−r)!) — the combination formula divides the permutation count by r! to remove all the orderings of the same r items, since order no longer matters.

Formula

nPr = n!/(n−r)!   nCr = n!/(r!(n−r)!)

How to Use

  1. Enter your details in the fields above.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type.
  3. Use Copy, Print or Download PDF to save your result.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I use each?
Use permutations when order matters (e.g. race finishing positions) and combinations when it doesn't (e.g. picking a team).
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