Fundamental Counting Principle Calculator

Fundamental Counting Principle Calculator

Multiply the number of choices for each independent event to find the total number of possible outcomes.

Last updated: June 2026 | By Patchworkr Team

Independent Choices
Event 1
choices
Event 2
choices
Event 3
choices
Every event must have at least one possible outcome. The calculator multiplies the counts of all events together.
Result
Total outcomes
24
3 x 2 x 4 = 24
The Counting Principle assumes the events are independent.

What the principle means

If each step in a process has a fixed number of choices, multiply those counts to get the total number of possible outcomes.

Independence matters

The rule works when each event does not change the number of choices available for the next event.

Formula and example

total outcomes = n1 x n2 x n3 x ...

Example: 3 x 2 x 4 = 24.

Worked Example

Coffee shop choices: 3 sizes, 2 roasts, 4 milk options.

1. Size choices = 3.

2. Roast choices = 2.

3. Milk choices = 4.

Final answer: 24 orders

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