How to Set the Number of Decimal Places for a Table Field in Access 2003

In Access, you can alter many field properties to help you manage your databases, including how many decimal places appear in a table field. Follow the steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Access 2003

Instructions

1. Start up Access and open a database.

2. Determine the table and field where you want to set the decimal-place property.

3. Select the field in Design View, and choose the "Decimal Places" property. You can set it at any number from 0 to 15, or you can select "Auto."

4. Save your settings and exit Access.

Tips & Warnings

• The default decimal-places setting is "Auto."

• "Auto" sets the decimal places to 2 when the format is currency, standard, scientific, fixed or percent.

• Many decimal fields can cause rounding problems if the rounding is done after the mathematical operations.

• Too many decimal places can make data difficult to read.