Permutation with Replacement Calculator
Calculate the number of permutations with replacement for selecting r elements from a set of n distinct objects
Explanation
Permutation with replacement calculates the number of ways to choose a sample of r elements from a set of n distinct objects where order matters and replacements are allowed.
Each of the r elements can be chosen in n ways, so the total number of permutations is n × n × … × n (r times) = nr.
Examples
Choosing Letters from an Alphabet
If we want to choose a sequence of 2 letters from an alphabet size of 4 letters {a,b,c,d}, the number of permutations with replacement is:
PR(4,2) = 42 = 16
Possible sequences: {a,a}, {a,b}, {a,c}, {a,d}, {b,a}, {b,b}, {b,c}, {b,d}, {c,a}, {c,b}, {c,c}, {c,d}, {d,a}, {d,b}, {d,c}, {d,d}.
Rolling Dice
When rolling a die 60 times and recording the sequence of results, we’re choosing a sequence of 60 dice rolls from 6 possible numbers:
PR(6,60) = 660 ≈ 4.887367798 × 1046
There are approximately 4.887367798 × 1046 possible sequences of 60 dice rolls.
Permutation with Replacement Calculator
Search-optimized longform breakdown of permutation with replacement calculator tools, formulas, and real-world uses. Master PR(n,r) = n^r in minutes—no math degree required.
What Is a Permutation with Replacement Calculator?
A permutation with replacement calculator instantly computes how many ordered sequences you can form when picking r items from n options—with repeats allowed.
Think passwords, dice rolls, or DNA strings. Order matters. Repeats happen. The result? n^r possibilities.
This tool skips manual multiplication. Enter n (total choices) and r (sequence length). Get the exact count—plus examples.
Permutation with Replacement Formula: PR(n,r) = n^r
The core equation drives every permutation with replacement calculator:
PR(n,r) = n^r
- n = number of distinct items
- r = length of sequence
- Result = total ordered outcomes with replacement
Plain text formula: PR(n,r) = n^r
Each position in the sequence has n choices. Multiply across r positions.
Permutation with Replacement Example: 4-Letter Alphabet, 2-Letter Code
Set: {a, b, c, d} → n = 4
Code length: 2 → r = 2
PR(4,2) = 4^2 = 16
All outcomes:
| aa | ab | ac | ad |
|---|---|---|---|
| ba | bb | bc | bd |
| ca | cb | cc | cd |
| da | db | dc | dd |
Order matters: ab ≠ ba. Repeats allowed: aa counts.
Real-World Use: Dice Roll Sequences (n=6, r=60)
Rolling a six-sided die 60 times? Track the exact sequence.
- n = 6 (faces: 1–6)
- r = 60 (rolls)
PR(6,60) = 6^60 = 4.887367798 × 10^46
That’s more sequences than atoms in the observable universe.
A permutation with replacement calculator handles this instantly—no overflow errors.
Permutation Without Replacement Formula: P(n,r) = n! / (n-r)!
Compare to no repeats:
P(n,r) = n × (n-1) × … × (n-r+1)
Or in factorials:
P(n,r) = n! / (n-r)!
When n = r, this becomes n!—the classic factorial.
Use our factorials calculator for large values.
Key Differences: With vs Without Replacement
| Feature | With Replacement | Without Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Repeats allowed? | Yes | No |
| Formula | n^r | n! / (n-r)! |
| Order matters? | Yes | Yes |
| Total outcomes | Grows faster | Limited by n |
| Example: n=3, r=2 | 9 (aa, ab, ac, etc.) | 6 (ab, ac, ba, bc, ca, cb) |
How to Use a Permutation with Replacement Calculator (Step-by-Step)
- Enter n – Total distinct items (e.g., 10 digits)
- Enter r – Sequence length (e.g., 4-digit PIN)
- Click Calculate
- View result – PR(n,r) = n^r
- Optional: See sample outcomes or export
Try it now with our permutations replacement tool.
Advanced Example: Password Strength (n=62, r=12)
Modern passwords use:
- 26 lowercase
- 26 uppercase
- 10 digits
→ n = 62
12-character password → r = 12
PR(62,12) = 62^12 = 3.226266 × 10^21
That’s 3.2 sextillion possible passwords.
Brute-force? Impossible in a lifetime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Confusing with combinations → Combinations ignore order.
Use our combinations calculator instead. - Forgetting order matters → “abc” ≠ “cba” in permutations.
- Mixing replacement rules → Double-check: repeats allowed?
Permutation with Replacement vs Combinations with Replacement
| Type | Formula | Order Matters? | Repeats? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permutation (replacement) | n^r | Yes | Yes |
| Combination (replacement) | (n+r-1)! / (r!(n-1)!) | No | Yes |
Need combinations with replacement? Use our combinations replacement tool.
When to Use PR(n,r) in Real Life
| Scenario | n | r | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIN codes | 10 | 4 | Security |
| DNA sequences (A, T, C, G) | 4 | 100 | Genomics |
| Lottery scratch-off patterns | 50 | 6 | Probability |
| License plates (digits + letters) | 36 | 7 | DMV stats |
Permutation with Replacement Calculator vs Manual Math
| Task | Manual | Calculator |
|---|---|---|
| 5^100 | Impossible | Instant |
| Error risk | High | Zero |
| Large exponents | Scientific notation needed | Auto-formatted |
| Teaching aid | Confusing | Visual examples |
People Also Ask
What is the permutation with replacement formula?
PR(n,r) = n^r
Each of r positions has n choices.
How is permutation with replacement different from without?
With replacement: repeats allowed → n^r
Without: no repeats → n! / (n-r)!
Can I calculate permutation with replacement in Excel?
Yes: =POWER(n,r) or =n^r
Is order important in permutation with replacement?
Yes — always. “12” ≠ “21”.
Pro Tips for Accurate Calculations
- Use 64-bit calculators for r > 50
- Switch to scientific notation for n^r > 10^15
- Validate with small cases: Test n=2, r=3 → should return 8
- Avoid floating-point errors — use integer-based tools
Historical Note: Where PR(n,r) Comes From
The concept traces to 17th-century probability. Blaise Pascal and Pierre de Fermat used similar counting in gambling.
Today? It powers cryptography, AI sampling, and game design.
Permutation with Replacement Calculator Limitations
| Limit | Workaround |
|---|---|
| Extremely large r (>1000) | Use logarithmic output: log10(n^r) = r × log10(n) |
| Negative inputs | Invalid — n, r ≥ 0 |
| Non-integer inputs | Not supported — use discrete math tools |
Manual math fails at scale. A permutation with replacement calculator delivers:
- Speed – Instant results
- Accuracy – No human error
- Clarity – Examples included
- Scalability – Handles 10^100 with ease
Stop guessing. Start calculating.
