How to Assign a Datatype to a Microsoft Access Table Field

A datatype specifies what kind of information - text, date/time, currency, numbers, and so on - can be entered into an Access table field. Assigning the appropriate datatype to a field simplifies your sort actions and creates a consistent display format. These instructions apply to MS Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Open the table in Design view.

2. Click in the row beneath the field that you want to use. If you want to add a new row at the end, click in the first empty row. A new row will appear.

3. Click in Field Name of the field that you have just created.

4. Name your new field.

5. Click in the column to the immediate right, named DataType. An arrow appears.

6. Click on the arrow to produce a menu selection of datatypes.

7. Select the one you want to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Field Properties to customize the display.
• In general, use the most specific datatype you can; this helps your information sort in the most efficient way and ensures that appropriate calculations can be performed. For example, although you could enter monetary amounts using a Text or Number datatype, Currency is the best type to choose. See "How to Decide Which Datatype to Use for a Microsoft Access Table Field."