How to Create a Microsoft Access Field for Numbers

Numbers fields in Access cannot contain text, since the fields can be used for calculations. These instructions apply to MS Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Open a table in Design view.

2. Click in the field directly below the location where you want your new number field to appear. If you want to create a new field at the end, click in the first empty row.

3. Click on the Insert Row icon in the toolbar, or open the Insert menu and choose Row.

4. Click in the Field Names box, then name your field.

5. Click in the DataType field directly to the right. An arrow appears.

6. Click on the arrow. A menu of datatype choices appears.

7. Select Number.

8. Set the field size in the Field Properties window at the bottom of the screen.

9. Save your table.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a Number field when you want to perform calculations. Use the Currency field if you are using money and if you want a high degree of accuracy. The Currency field calculates to several decimal points. The Number field does not.