How to Use the Where Clause in Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is a database program that is part of the Microsoft Office suite. Access allows users to define conditions when creating queries. These definitions help determine which records will be returned in the query, making it easier to create concise reports that meet specific needs. One such definition is the "Where" clause. The "Where" clause is used as part of an SQL statement, which spell out which records from the specified tables are influenced by the query statement.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Microsoft Access 2003 or 2007

1. 
    

   Open the Access database and start a new query by clicking "Queries" under Objects and then clicking "New." Select the table to be queried, click "Add" and then click "Close."

2. 
    

   View the query in SQL view by clicking the "View" drop down menu below the "File" menu in Access 2003, or by going to the "Design" tab in Access 2007 and clicking the "View" drop down. Select "SQL" from the list.

3. 
    

   Type a query into the SQL window using the "Where" clause. The syntax of the "Where" clause is ""Where" field = criterion."

4. 
    

   Begin the query with "Select *" and add "From [Table Name]." Add the "Where" clause. An example of a query is "Select * FROM Products WHERE Units >100." This tells Access you want the return to include items from the "Products" table where the "Units" column contains a number greater than 100.

5. 
    

   Run the query by clicking the "Run" button, which looks like a red exclamation point. The Run button is on the Query Design toolbar in Access 2003, and on the Design tab in the Results group.

Resources

• Access Query Tips