Table update from form

[wotherp@yahoo.com]

I'm fairly new to Access, but not a complete rookie. I created a form bound to the table I'm working with. I edited the control sources to create calculation expressions for several fields. When I save the information entered, the calculated fields don't update the table. I got that since I changed the control source Access doesn't know where to put the info, now what I need is a solution to allow the table fields to be updated with the calculations. Thoughts - solutions?

 

[Marinus]

I'm fairly new to Access, but not a complete rookie. I created a form bound to the table I'm working with. I edited the control sources to create calculation expressions for several fields. When I save the information entered, the calculated fields don't update the table. I got that since I changed the control source Access doesn't know where to put the info, now what I need is a solution to allow the table fields to be updated with the calculations. Thoughts - solutions?

Hi Wotherp,
In general I think it is custom to put values in a table and leave calculated out because they can be recalculated on forms, reports etc. They would only make you dbase larger then necessary. To give a more complete answer people might need to know more of what you are trying to achieve.

 

[John Big Booty]

Welcome to the forum.

Unlike Excel, it is considered rather bad practice to store calculated values.

1. Why store something that is really only need for display purposes?
2. Unlike Excel updates made to one of the underlying values will not be automagically updated in your calculated field.
3. It takes up unnecessary storage space.
4. It goes against the principals of data normalisation.

The accepted solution is to produce the calculation on your form or report either in a query or using an unbound field. For example on a form, you might have an unbound field called Volume with a Control Source;

=Me.Height * Me.Depth * Me.Width

 

[wotherp@yahoo.com]

Okay Guys - got it. The data relates to contract amendments and balances and wanted to keep some history. I can live with the form and report calculations since I already have those done - thanks