FACTDOUBLE

Math & Trigonometry Functions
(4.6/5)

Returns the double factorial of a number. Double factorial (n!!) multiplies every other number: for even n, n!! = n × (n-2) × ... × 4 × 2; for odd n, n!! = n × (n-2) × ... × 3 × 1. Essential for advanced combinatorics, probability theory, and mathematical analysis.

Interactive Formula Tester

=FACTDOUBLE("6")

Complete Theory & Understanding

Master the fundamentals of Excel FACTDOUBLE function

Core Concept

The FACTDOUBLE function returns the double factorial of a number. Double factorial (n!!) is defined differently for even and odd numbers: For even n: n!! = n × (n-2) × (n-4) × ... × 4 × 2. For odd n: n!! = n × (n-2) × (n-4) × ... × 3 × 1. Special cases: 0!! = 1, (-1)!! = 1. Double factorial grows slower than regular factorial but still rapidly. Essential for advanced combinatorics, probability theory, integrals involving trigonometric functions, and mathematical analysis.

Why Use FACTDOUBLE?

  • Double factorial in combinatorics
  • Probability calculations
  • Integrals and series
  • Mathematical special functions

Key Characteristics

Even/Odd Pattern

Different formulas for even/odd

6!! = 6×4×2, 7!! = 7×5×3×1

Special Cases

0!! = 1, (-1)!! = 1

Mathematical convention

Slower Growth

Grows slower than FACT

FACTDOUBLE(10) < FACT(10)

Minimum Value

Must be ≥ -1

FACTDOUBLE(-2) = error

Function Anatomy

=FACTDOUBLE(parameters...)
Required
Parameters:

Function-specific parameters

Returns
Return Value:

Function-specific return type

Primary Use Cases

Advanced Combinatorics

Double factorial in combinatorics

Probability Theory

Probability calculations

Mathematical Analysis

Integrals and series

Special Functions

Mathematical special functions

Theory Summary

Precise

Exact matching required

Position-Based

Returns numeric position

Error-Safe

Handles missing text gracefully

Syntax & Parameters

=FACTDOUBLE(number)
Required
number:

The value for which you want to calculate the double factorial. Must be greater than or equal to -1.

Returns
Return Value:

The double factorial of the number

Description: Returns the double factorial of a number

Interactive Examples

Basic FACTDOUBLE (Even)

Double factorial of even number

"6"
=FACTDOUBLE(6)
48

Returns 48 because 6!! = 6 × 4 × 2 = 48. For even n, multiply every other even number.

VBA Implementation & Automation

Basic FACTDOUBLE in VBA

Use FACTDOUBLE function in VBA

' Basic FACTDOUBLE in VBA
Range("C1").Value = Application.WorksheetFunction.FactDouble(6)
' Returns: 48

' Calculate double factorial
Sub CalculateFACTDOUBLE()
    Dim number As Integer
    number = Range("A1").Value
    Dim result As Double
    result = Application.WorksheetFunction.FactDouble(number)
    Range("B1").Value = result
End Sub

' Calculate for both even and odd
Sub CalculateEvenOddFACTDOUBLE()
    Dim evenNum As Integer
    Dim oddNum As Integer
    evenNum = Range("A1").Value
    oddNum = Range("A2").Value
    Dim evenResult As Double
    Dim oddResult As Double
    evenResult = Application.WorksheetFunction.FactDouble(evenNum)
    oddResult = Application.WorksheetFunction.FactDouble(oddNum)
    Range("B1").Value = evenResult
    Range("B2").Value = oddResult
End Sub

' Generate double factorial table
Sub GenerateFACTDOUBLETable()
    Dim i As Integer
    For i = 0 To 10
        Dim factDoubleValue As Double
        factDoubleValue = Application.WorksheetFunction.FactDouble(i)
        Range("A" & (i + 1)).Value = i
        Range("B" & (i + 1)).Value = factDoubleValue
    Next i
End Sub

' Compare with regular factorial
Sub CompareFACTFACTDOUBLE()
    Dim number As Integer
    number = Range("A1").Value
    Dim factValue As Double
    Dim factDoubleValue As Double
    factValue = Application.WorksheetFunction.Fact(number)
    factDoubleValue = Application.WorksheetFunction.FactDouble(number)
    Range("B1").Value = factValue
    Range("B2").Value = factDoubleValue
    Range("B3").Value = factValue / factDoubleValue
End Sub

Business Applications

Advanced Combinatorics

Double factorial in combinatorics

=FACTDOUBLE(n)

Probability Theory

Probability calculations

=FACTDOUBLE(n)/FACT(n)

Mathematical Analysis

Integrals and series

=FACTDOUBLE(2n-1)

Special Functions

Mathematical special functions

=FACTDOUBLE(number)

Common Issues & Solutions

#NUM! Error

FACTDOUBLE returns #NUM! for numbers < -1

=IF(A1>=-1, FACTDOUBLE(A1), "Invalid")

Solution: FACTDOUBLE only works with numbers ≥ -1. FACTDOUBLE(-2) and smaller return #NUM!. Ensure input is ≥ -1. Special case: FACTDOUBLE(-1) = 1.

#VALUE! Error

Non-numeric input in FACTDOUBLE

=FACTDOUBLE(VALUE(A1))

Solution: Ensure input is numeric. FACTDOUBLE requires a number. Check for text, errors, or empty cells. Use VALUE() if needed.

Confusion with FACT

Mixing FACTDOUBLE with FACT

FACTDOUBLE(6) = 48, FACT(6) = 720

Solution: FACTDOUBLE (n!!) is different from FACT (n!). FACTDOUBLE multiplies every other number, FACT multiplies all numbers. FACTDOUBLE grows slower than FACT.

Even/Odd Behavior

Uncertainty about even vs odd behavior

6!! = 6×4×2, 7!! = 7×5×3×1

Solution: Even n: multiply every other even number (n, n-2, ..., 4, 2). Odd n: multiply every other odd number (n, n-2, ..., 3, 1).

Performance Tips & Best Practices

⚡ Performance Optimization

  • FACTDOUBLE is fast for moderate numbers
  • FACTDOUBLE grows slower than FACT
  • Works efficiently in array formulas
  • Consider caching results for repeated calculations
  • Use for specialized mathematical applications

🎯 Best Practices

  • Remember FACTDOUBLE(-1) = 1 and FACTDOUBLE(0) = 1
  • Input must be ≥ -1
  • Different formulas for even vs odd numbers
  • FACTDOUBLE grows slower than FACT
  • Test with known values: FACTDOUBLE(6) = 48
  • Use for advanced combinatorics and mathematics
  • Document when using double factorial
  • Don't confuse with regular FACT