How To Use NEGBINOMDIST()

Description

Calculates the probability of drawing a certain number of failures before a certain number of successes given a probability of success in independent trials.

Common questions about the NEGBINOMDIST formula include:
• What does this formula do?
• What are its parameters?
• How is this formula different from similar formulas?

The NEGBINOMDIST formula can be used to determine the probability of a given number of failures within a specified number of trials, based on a negative binomial distribution. Negative binomial distributions allow for an estimate of the probability of a given number of failures before a given number of successes occur.

The NEGBINOMDIST formula can be commonly mistyped as NGBINOMDIST, NEGBINOMDIS, or NEGBINOMDST.

Some common ways the NEGBINOMDIST formula is used inappropriately are:
• Using different parameters than specified
• Incorrectly specifying the number of successes
• Using a negative binominal distribution when a different type of distribution is more appropriate

Common pitfalls when using the NEGBINOMDIST formula include:
• Not understanding the distribution -> not understanding the results

• Not understanding the parameters that should be used
• Incorrectly specifying the number of successes

Common mistakes when using the NEGBINOMDIST formula include:
• Not understanding the distribution -> not understanding the results 
• Not understanding the parameters that should be used 
• Not understanding the assumptions of the model
• Not understanding the difference between success and failure

Common misconceptions people might have with the NEGBINOMDIST Formula are that it is the same as other distributions such as the Poisson distribution and binomial distribution, or that it can only be used in situations where the number of successes is known (when in fact the number of failures can also be used as the parameter).

How To Actually Use NEGBINOMDIST() in Sheets

NEGBINOMDIST(num_failures, num_successes, prob_success)

0Better Sheets Tutorials

Looking for a video tutorial? Members can email me anytime! Check out the blogs below for more info on this formula. Find more formulas here at Better Sheets.

Learn more about the NEGBINOMDIST() formula:

Google Sheets NEGBINOMDIST Negative Binomial Distribution using COMBINA ARRAYFORMULA Data Validation

This video shows the use of COMBINA, ARRAYFORMULA, and Data Validation to generate the data set of NEGBINOMDIST function or Negative Binomial Distribution.