Leetcode #2902: Count of Sub-Multisets With Bounded Sum
In this guide, we solve Leetcode #2902 Count of Sub-Multisets With Bounded Sum in Python and focus on the core idea that makes the solution efficient.
You will see the intuition, the step-by-step method, and a clean Python implementation you can use in interviews.

Problem Statement
You are given a 0-indexed array nums of non-negative integers, and two integers l and r. Return the count of sub-multisets within nums where the sum of elements in each subset falls within the inclusive range of [l, r].
Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Hard
- Premium: No
- Tags: Array, Hash Table, Dynamic Programming, Sliding Window
Intuition
Fast membership checks and value lookups are the heart of this problem, which makes a hash map the natural choice.
By storing what we have already seen (or counts/indexes), we can answer the question in one pass without backtracking.
Approach
Scan the input once, using the map to detect when the condition is satisfied and to update state as you go.
This keeps the solution linear while remaining easy to explain in an interview setting.
Steps:
- Initialize a hash map for seen items or counts.
- Iterate through the input, querying/updating the map.
- Return the first valid result or the final computed value.
Example
Input: nums = [1,2,2,3], l = 6, r = 6
Output: 1
Explanation: The only subset of nums that has a sum of 6 is {1, 2, 3}.
Python Solution
class Solution:
def countSubMultisets(self, nums: List[int], l: int, r: int) -> int:
kMod = 1_000_000_007
# dp[i] := # of submultisets of nums with sum i
dp = [1] + [0] * r
count = collections.Counter(nums)
zeros = count.pop(0, 0)
for num, freq in count.items():
# stride[i] := dp[i] + dp[i - num] + dp[i - 2 * num] + ...
stride = dp.copy()
for i in range(num, r + 1):
stride[i] += stride[i - num]
for i in range(r, 0, -1):
if i >= num * (freq + 1):
# dp[i] + dp[i - num] + dp[i - freq * num]
dp[i] = stride[i] - stride[i - num * (freq + 1)]
else:
dp[i] = stride[i]
return (zeros + 1) * sum(dp[l : r + 1]) % kMod
Complexity
The time complexity is O(n). The space complexity is O(n).
Edge Cases and Pitfalls
Watch for boundary values, empty inputs, and duplicate values where applicable. If the problem involves ordering or constraints, confirm the invariant is preserved at every step.
Summary
This Python solution focuses on the essential structure of the problem and keeps the implementation interview-friendly while meeting the constraints.