Table Datatypes in MS Access

Field Data Types
The various data types in Microsoft Access are described below in the table:

Data Types	Description
AutoNumber	It stores an integer that increments automatically as you add records.
Text	It is used to store combination of text and numbers that does not require calculations, such as address, mobile number, name, etc. The field of this data can hace a maximum of 255 character.
Memo	When you have more than 255 characters to enter, then you should use this data types for entering large text. Like detailed description of a student or items or products, etc.
Number	This data type is used to enter number in the column or fields.
Date/Time	It stores date and time values. You can display the dates and times in various format. You can change the format from field property menu.
Currency	This data type stores the currency value. It shows the value in decimal format with $ sign.
Yes/No	This data type accept only one value Yes/No or Trye/False.
OLE Object	This data type stores graphics or objects such as Ms Excel, Word, Power Point, etc.
Hyperlink	This data type stores link of different websites or email addresses.
Attachment	For fields with this data type, multiple files can be attached per record.
Calculated	This is a new data which has been added in MS Access 2010. Fields with this data types stores result of the calculation.
Lookup Wizard	This creates a lookup field that displays a set of values.

Field Properties
Every field in a table has its properties to define its characteristics and behaviour. The field properties let you have more control on data. Some of the field properties are:

Field Property	Description
Field Size	The properties can be set for fields with text or number data type. It sets the maximum size for data stored in a field to accomodate text (0-255), number or autonumber data type.
Format	It controls the manner in which data gets displayed.
Input Mask	It makes data entry easier and controls the values which a user can enter into it.
Decimal Places	It specifies the number of decimal places for numeric data.
Caption	This property is used to give an alternate, more descriptive name to a field.
Default Value	This property is used to specify a value that gets displayed automatically when a new record is created.
Validation Rule	It is used to put conditions on the data that can be entered in a field.
Validation Text	It is used to display an error message when the validation rule gets violated.
Required	It forces you to enter a value if required property is set for Yes.
Allow Zero Length	It accepts a blank entry if required property is set for Yes.