How to Define a Default Value for a Microsoft Access Field

Defining a default value for an Access field simplifies data entry when a certain value is entered frequently. For example, in a houseplant table, you might have a field for Watering Frequency. If most of your plants require watering every week, you could set the default value to "weekly." Then you will only enter data in this field if the watering frequency is other than weekly. These instructions are for Microsoft Access 97.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Access

Instructions

1. Open your table in Design view.

2. Click in the field that is to contain the default value, or create a new field.

3. In Field Properties, go to Default Value. Enter your default value.

4. Save your table. When you enter data in new records, the default value will automatically appear in the field.

Tips & Warnings

• MS Access will not make changes to existing records.

• You can incorporate complex values and calculations by using the Expression Builder. Click on the three dots that appear on the right side of the Default Value textbox.