Combination with Repetition Calculator

Find repeated-selection counts with exact values and charts. Review factorial steps, logs, and growth patterns. Compare item types and picks clearly for better decisions.

Calculator Inputs

Examples: colors, products, symbols, or categories.
Repetition is allowed and order does not matter.
Start the growth plot at this pick count.
Keep the range compact for quick rendering.
Count multisets or repeated selections.
This is also called combinations with repetition.
Order does not matter.
Use permutations when order should matter.

Formula Used

For combinations with repetition, the count of ways to choose r items from n distinct types is:

C(n + r - 1, r)

Equivalent form: C(n + r - 1, n - 1)

Factorial form: (n + r - 1)! / [r! × (n - 1)!]

This comes from the stars and bars method. Think of r chosen items as stars and n - 1 separators as bars.

Every arrangement of those stars and bars maps to one multiset, so counting the arrangements gives the answer.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the number of distinct item types you can choose from.
  2. Enter how many total picks you want to make.
  3. Set the starting and ending pick counts for the graph.
  4. Click Calculate Now to show the result above the form.
  5. Review the exact integer, scientific notation, slots, and graph.
  6. Use the export buttons to save the summary as CSV or PDF.

Example Data Table

Item Types (n) Picks (r) Formula Result
3 4 C(6,4) 15
4 3 C(6,3) 20
5 2 C(6,2) 15
6 4 C(9,4) 126

The last row becomes dynamic after calculation and mirrors your current input values.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does combination with repetition mean?

It counts selections where you can reuse the same type more than once, but arrangement order is ignored. It is the standard model for multisets.

2. When should I use this instead of ordinary combinations?

Use it when repeated choices are allowed. Ordinary combinations assume each item can appear at most once, while this model allows duplicates.

3. What is the stars and bars method?

Stars represent chosen items and bars separate categories. Counting their arrangements converts a repeated-choice problem into a standard combination problem.

4. Why does the formula use n + r - 1?

You place r stars and n - 1 bars into one line. That creates n + r - 1 total positions, then you choose which positions hold the stars or bars.

5. Can the result become very large?

Yes. Even moderate values can create huge integers. That is why this page shows exact output, scientific notation, digit count, and a log-based growth graph.

6. What if order matters in my problem?

Then this is not the right formula. Order-sensitive repeated selections usually require a different counting model, such as sequences or permutations with repetition.

7. What real situations use this calculator?

It helps with inventory bundles, candy selection, symbolic algebra terms, occupancy distributions, ballot models, and many discrete mathematics exercises.

8. Why is the graph plotted on log10 values?

Repeated-choice counts grow quickly. A log10 scale keeps the curve readable and lets you compare small and very large outputs on one plot.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.