How to Create SQL Queries in Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access allows you to create regular and SQL queries. SQL, or Structured Query Language, queries are typed into a Notepad-type screen instead of in the commonly used grid layout of Design View. Access assists you with SQL queries by providing the basic setup for the most common SQL queries used in Access databases.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Open an existing Microsoft Access database. If creating a new database, note that queries will not yield results until tables are filled with data.

2. Select "Queries" in the database window. Open an existing query in Design View by highlighting the query and pressing "Design" in the query window. Create a new query by pressing "Create a new query in Design View."

3. Press the "Query Type" button on the query toolbar. Select your desired query type. This will provide you with a bare-bones SQL query. This isn't required if you are familiar with SQL programming. For more assistance, set up your basic query in Design View before switching to SQL View.

4. Press the "View" button on the query toolbar. Select "SQL View."

5. Type your SQL query as desired. End all SQL queries with a semicolon. Only the last line of the query requires a semicolon. Table names along with the desired field names are included after the first clause. The FROM clause should include your desired table name. Only the first two lines are required. Sorting and criteria require additional lines.

Tips & Warnings

• To brush up on your SQL programming, visit the website listed in the Resources section.
• Test all SQL queries immediately after creation to ensure all syntax is correct. A missing comma, period, semicolon or parenthesis can prevent the query from running correctly.

References

• Microsoft Access

Resources

• FirstSQL