How to Set the Number of Decimal Places to Appear in a Microsoft Access Table Field

You can set the number of decimal places in a MS Access table field to display between 0 and 15 digits. You can manipulate both the way numbers appear in the table and how they are stored; to reduce clutter in the table, restrict the way numbers appear. But if you know your values will fall within certain limits, setting the number of decimal places in how the field is stored can help prevent data-entry errors. These instructions apply to MS Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Open your table in Design view.

2. Create a Number or Currency field, or click in a Number or Currency field that already exists.

3. Click on the General tab in the Field Properties box at the bottom of the screen.

4. Click in Decimal Places. A small arrow appears on the right side of the text box.

5. Click on the arrow to produce a menu of choices.

6. Select the number of digits to appear to the right of the decimal place.

7. Save your table.

Tips & Warnings

• Changing the format affects the way the decimal places appear or print. It does not affect the way they are stored.
• To change the way the numbers are stored, used the Field Size property.