Introduction to Database Queries – Access Queries, Select Query

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Last updated on October 15th, 2023 at 06:48 pm

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When using a database, it is the queries that make databases and, in turn, Access databases the wonderful tool that they are. Queries make it possible to manipulate, update and change information much faster than paper databases. They help to save a great deal of time by updating large amounts of data with a single change.

Define Queries

Database queries (access queries) are powerful tools that, when used properly, allow us to retrieve records accurately or edit records according to some predefined parameters. With the use of queries, we can add, delete, view, and change the data in an Access database.

Now if you are new to databases and wish to learn to properly use access queries, keep reading. In this article, we will explore information on how to create select queries. You may also be interested in learning how to set up a query with criteria or how to create a calculated field in Access queries.

If you are new to databases, you may also be interested in our articles on database terminologies, where you will learn the meaning of some common database terms, or our article titled Create an Access database, where you will learn the basics of how to set up a database step by step and work with database tables.

If you are interested in exploring what data is, be sure to visit data vs. information.

Why create a select query

A select query is your go-to option if you wish to simply search and view information from one or more tables. So why is this important? Suppose you work for a company with thousands of customers, and you wish to find the name and address of a customer whose ID is 1002. Instead of opening up the table to visually search through all those records, you may simply use a select query and view the customer’s information quickly.

If you are looking to build an Access database, it is imperative that you read primary keys in a database to learn more about the different types of database keys. what they are used for, why they are important, and how to set up database relationships.

How to create a select query using the query design and a single table – Access queries

Note that the steps outlined in this post refer to Access 2007 – 2016.

Before you begin to create queries, you should have already created a database table and set up relationships. Follow the steps to create a select query using the Query Design and a single table:

  1. On the Create toolbar, choose Query Design.
  2. To the right of the tab that opens up, choose the table that contains the information you need for the query.
  3. Next, click the button Add Selected Tables at the bottom.
  4. In the section marked Field, select all the fields you wish to have in your select query.
  5. Once you have all the required fields, on the query design toolbar, click Run! Now you can see the contents of your select query.
  6. Lastly, go to the save icon at the top of your window, and in the popup menu, give the query a name, then click Ok.

How to create a select query using the query wizard and a single table – Access queries

Follow the steps below to create a select query using the Query Wizard and a single table:

  1. Go to the Create toolbar, then in the query section, click the option marked query wizard.
  2. On the popup menu, choose the simple query wizard.
  3. In the next menu, choose the table or query containing the required data.
  4. Under the section marked Available Fields, choose the fields you need for your query by clicking on the field name and then the arrow (>). Each field selected will appear under Selected Fields.
  5. Once you have all the required fields, click Next.
  6. In the new window, give your query an appropriate name.
  7. By default, the option open the query to view information will be selected. If you are satisfied that you have selected all the information that you need, choose Finish.
  8. Complete step 5 from the list above.

How to create a select query using the query wizard and multiple tables – Access queries

To create a query where the required information is contained in multiple tables or queries, here is what you need to do:

  1. On the Create toolbar, choose Query Design.
  2. To the right of the new tab, click on the tables that contain the information you need for your query, then choose Add Selected Tables.
  3. In the table section at the bottom, choose the table containing each piece of data you are looking for.
  4. Next, in the section marked Field, choose the fields you wish to use for your query.
  5. Once you have selected the required fields on the Query Design toolbar, choose Run.
  6. Finally, click the save icon, and in the popup menu, give your query an appropriate name.

If you wish to learn more about databases, you should also explore our article on creating an Access report and form.

Before you go

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