How to Create a Microsoft Access Query That Uses More Than One Table

You can use queries to display information from a combination of tables. For example, suppose you have one table that lists the books available in a library. A second table contains information about the registered users. By creating a query based on both tables, you could retrieve a listing of each book along with the name of the person who has the book on loan. These instructions apply to MS Access 97.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access

1. Using the F11 key, open the database window.

2. Click on the Query tab.

3. Click New.

4. When the Query window opens, select Simple Query Wizard.

5. Select the first table you want to use. Then, select the fields that you want to base your query on. Move those fields into the selection window by clicking on the > symbol. In the library example, you would select the Book table, then choose the Title field for your query.

6. Repeat the last step with as many other tables as you want to use. In the library example, you could select the Users table, then select the Name field for your query.

7. Follow the wizard's instructions. Click Finish when ready. Your query appears, showing information from the multiple tables that you selected. The library example would display a list of books in your library, with the name of the borrower beside each.

Tips & Warnings

• You must first establish a relationship between tables before creating the query. (See "How to Create a One-to-Many Relationship in Microsoft Access.")
• You can use as many tables as you want, provided they are related.