When to use this
Use this formula when the question matches this rule set
Ice cream scoops, donut assortments, or fruit bowls where repeating one flavor or fruit is allowed.
What this result means
Interpret the output, not just the number
Each multiset is counted once. Strawberry-vanilla-vanilla matches vanilla-strawberry-vanilla.
Formula: C(n + r - 1, r) = (n + r - 1)! / (r!(n-1)!)
Calculator inputs
Know what to enter in each field
Match the wording in the question to these fields before you interpret the result.
n - available item types
This is how many different options exist.
What to enter: Enter the number of distinct item types, flavors, or categories you can choose from.
How to use it: Count each type once, even when the same type can be chosen more than once.
Example: With 5 flavors available, enter 5.
r - selections to make
This is how many picks go into the final group.
What to enter: Enter the total number of selections.
How to use it: Use the basket, scoop, or box size from the question.
Example: A 3-scoop order means enter 3.
Does order matter on this page?
This page keeps the order rule fixed in the background so the calculator stays in the same formula family.
How this page works: No.
How to use it: Use the combination pages when only the final group matters. Use the permutation pages when changing the order creates a different result.
Example: A podium uses yes, but a committee uses no.
Are repeated items allowed?
This is the one mode control on the dedicated page. It switches between the repeat and no-repeat version of the same formula family.
How this page opens: Yes.
How to use it: Choose yes when reuse is allowed. Choose no when each available item can be used at most once.
Example: Three scoops from five flavors uses yes, but four different fruits uses no.
Worked examples
Quick checks with realistic inputs
Smoothie toppings
Choose 3 scoops from 5 fruit flavors, repeats allowed.
5 choose 3 with repeats allowed is 35.
Load this example into the calculatorDonut box
Choose 6 donuts from 4 styles when duplicates are allowed.
4 choose 6 with repeats allowed is 84.
Load this example into the calculator