Modern versions of Microsoft Access (such as Microsoft 365 or Access 2024) offer a diverse set of data types for desktop databases. Maximum Size / Capacity Alphanumeric data (names, titles, phone numbers). Up to 255 characters. Long Text Large amounts of alphanumeric data; formerly called "Memo". Up to 1 GB (displayed up to 64,000 characters). Number Numeric data for mathematical calculations. 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 bytes depending on "Field Size". Large Number Large numeric data compatible with SQL BIGINT. Date/Time Dates and times from years 100 to 9999. Date/Time Extended High-precision dates and times with a larger range. 42 bytes (encoded string). Currency Monetary data with 4 decimal places of precision. AutoNumber Unique values automatically assigned to new records. 4 bytes (16 bytes for Replication ID). Yes/No Boolean values (True/False, -1/0). 1 bit (stored as 1 byte). OLE Object External files like pictures, graphs, or ActiveX objects. Up to 2 GB. Hyperlink Clickable web addresses or file paths. Up to 8,192 total characters. Attachment Multiple files (images, docs) stored in one field. Up to 2 GB. Calculated Field results based on an expression of other fields. Depends on the result's data type. Specialized Data Selection Tools Create or delete a Long Text field - Microsoft Support
are the foundational categories that determine what kind of information a field can hold, how it is stored, and what operations—such as mathematical calculations or text searching—can be performed on it. Choosing the correct data type is the most critical step in database design because it ensures data integrity, optimizes storage space, and enables advanced features like data validation and specialized functions. Comprehensive List of MS Access Data Types ms access data types