Microsoft Access Data Types

use to attach images, spreadsheet files, documents, charts, and other types of supported files to rows in your database.

use for unique sequential (incrementing by 1) or random numbers that are automatically inserted when a row is added. Stores 4 bytes; stores 16 bytes for Replication ID (GUID).

use for currency values and to prevent rounding during calculations. Stores as 8-byte numbers with precision to four decimal places.

use for dates and times. Stores as 8-byte numbers.

use for hyperlinks. A hyperlink can be a UNC path (link) or a URL (link). Stores up to 64,000 characters.

use for lengthy text and numbers, such as notes or descriptions. Stores up to 32767 characters. ACCESS 2007 stores up to 65535 characters.

use for data to be included in mathematical calculations, except for calculations involving money (use Currency type). Stores 1, 2, 4, or 8 bytes; stores 16 bytes for Replication ID (GUID). The FieldSize property defines the specific Number type.

use for OLE objects (such as Microsoft Word documents, Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, pictures, sounds, or other binary data) created in other programs using the OLE protocol (link). Stores up to 1 gigabyte (limited by disk space).

use for text or combinations of text and numbers, such as addresses, numbers that do not require calculations, telephone numbers, part numbers, or postal codes. Stores up to 255 characters. The FieldSize property controls the maximum number of characters that can be entered.

use for data that can be only one of two possible values, such as Yes|No, True|False, On|Off. Stores 1 bit. Use -1 for Yes value and 0 for No value.