Permutation and Combination Calculator

Calculate nPr (order matters) and nCr (order does not) from n and r.

Reviewed by the WorldCalcs team · Methodology · Last reviewed: June 2026

Result

Permutations (nPr)

20

Combinations (nCr)

10

What is a permutation and combination calculator?

Permutations and combinations count how many ways you can pick r items from a set of n. A permutation counts arrangements where order matters (like a race podium); a combination counts selections where order does not matter (like a lottery draw). This calculator gives you both at once.

How it's calculated

For permutations (order matters): nPr = n! / (n − r)!. For combinations (order does not matter): nCr = n! / (r! (n − r)!). The "!" is a factorial — the product of all whole numbers up to that value (5! = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 120). Because every combination can be arranged in r! ways, nCr is simply nPr divided by r!.

Example

Pick 2 from 5. Permutations: 5! / 3! = 120 / 6 = 20 ordered pairs. Combinations: 5! / (2! × 3!) = 120 / 12 = 10 unordered pairs. For a 5-card hand from a 52-card deck the order does not matter, so it is a combination: 52C5 = 2 598 960 possible hands.

All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing is sent, stored, or tracked.

Results are estimates and may contain errors — for general information only, not professional advice. Always verify before relying on them. Disclaimer

How to use

Enter the total number of items (n) and how many you are choosing (r). The calculator returns both the number of ordered arrangements (nPr) and the number of unordered selections (nCr).

n and r must be non-negative whole numbers with r ≤ n.

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a permutation and a combination?+

Order. Permutations count arrangements (order matters); combinations count selections (order does not). ABC and CBA are two permutations but one combination.

When do I use nPr vs nCr?+

Use nPr when sequence matters (passwords, race finishes, seating). Use nCr when it does not (teams, lottery numbers, card hands).

What is a factorial?+

n! is the product of all whole numbers from 1 to n. 4! = 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 24. By definition 0! = 1.

Can r be larger than n?+

No. You can't choose more items than you have, so the calculator requires n ≥ r ≥ 0.

What is nC0 or nCn?+

Both equal 1 — there is exactly one way to choose nothing, and one way to choose everything.

Does this allow repetition?+

No. These formulas pick distinct items without replacement (each item used at most once).