You can vet or validate data in Access desktop databases as you enter it by using validation rules. You can use the expression builder to help you format the rule correctly. Validation rules can be set in either table design or table datasheet view. There are three types of validation rules in Access:
1. Field Validation RuleYou can use a field validation rule to specify a criterion that all valid field values must meet. You should not have to specify the current field as a part of the rule unless you are using the field in a function. Restrictions on types of characters to be entered in a field may be easier to do with an Input Mask.For example, a date field might have a validation rule that disallows values in the past.
Quick examples:
Disallow date values in the past: >=Date()
Generally accepted email format: Is Null OR ((Like "*?@?*.?*") AND (Not Like "*[ ,;]*"))
Number less than or qual to five: <=5
Currency field can't be negative: >=0
Restrict character length in string: Len([StringFieldName])<100
2. Record Validation RuleYou can use a record validation rule to specify a condition that all valid records must satisfy. You can compare values across different fields using a record validation rule. For example, a record with two date fields might require that values of one field always precede values of the other field (e.g., StartDate is before EndDate).
Quick examples:
Ensure the end date doesn't come before the start date: [End Date]>=[Start Date]
Enter a required date that occurs no more than 30 days after the order date: [RequiredDate]<=[OrderDate]+30
3. Validation on a formYou can use the Validation Rule property of a control on a form to specify a criterion that all values input to that control must meet. The Validation Rule control property works like a field validation rule. Typically, you use a form validation rule instead of a field validation rule if the rule was specific only to that form and not to the table no matter where it was used.
In this article
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Overview
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Add a validation rule to a table
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Test existing data against a new validation rule
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Add a validation rule to a control on a form
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Validation rule reference
Overview
This article explains how to use validation rules and validation text in table fields and form controls. A validation rule is one way to restrict input in a table field or a control (such as a text box) on a form. Validation text lets you provide a message to help users who input data that is not valid.
When data is entered, Access checks to see whether the input breaks a validation rule – if so, the input is not accepted, and Access displays a message.
Access provides a number of ways to restrict input:
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Data typesEvery table field has a data type that restricts what users can enter. For example, a Date/Time field accepts only dates and times, a Currency field accepts only monetary data, and so on.
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Field propertiesSome field properties restrict data input. For example, the Field Size property of a field restricts input by limiting the amount of data.
You can also use the Validation Rule property to require specific values, and the Validation Text property to alert your users to any mistakes. For example, entering a rule such as >100 And <1000 in the Validation Rule property forces users to enter values between 100 and 1,000. A rule such as [EndDate]>=[StartDate] forces users to enter an ending date that occurs on or after a starting date. Entering text such as "Enter values between 100 and 1,000" or "Enter an ending date on or after the start date" in the Validation Text property tells users when they have made a mistake and how to fix the error.
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Input masksYou can use an input mask to validate data by forcing users to enter values in a specific way. For example, an input mask can force users to enter dates in a European format, such as 2007.04.14.
You can use these methods of validating data alone or in combination with each other. Data types are not optional, and provide the most basic type of data validation.
For more information about data types, field sizes, and input masks, see the article Introduction to data types and field properties.
Types of validation rules
You can create two basic types of validation rules:
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Field validation rulesUse a field validation rule to check the value that you enter in a field when you leave the field. For example, suppose you have a Date field, and you enter >=#01/01/2010# in the Validation Rule property of that field. Your rule now requires users to enter dates on or after January 1, 2010. If you enter a date earlier than 2010 and then try to place the focus on another field, Access prevents you from leaving the current field until you fix the problem.
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Record validation rulesUse a record validation rule to control when you can save a record (a row in a table). Unlike a field validation rule, a record validation rule refers to other fields in the same table. You create record validation rules when you need to check the values in one field against the values in another. For example, suppose your business requires you to ship products within 30 days and, if you don't ship within that time, you must refund part of the purchase price to your customer. You can define a record validation rule such as [RequiredDate]<=[OrderDate]+30 to ensure that someone doesn't enter a ship date (the value in the RequiredDate field) too far into the future.
If the syntax for validation rules looks cryptic, see the section What you can put in a validation rule for an explanation of the syntax and some example validation rules.
Where you can use validation rules
You can define validation rules for table fields and for controls on forms. When you define rules for tables, those rules apply when you import data. To add validation rules to a table, you open the table and use commands on the Fields tab of the ribbon. To add validation rules to a form, you open the form in Layout view and add rules to the properties of individual controls.
The steps in the section Add a validation rule to a table explain how to add validation rules to table fields. The steps in the section Add a validation rule to a control on a form, later in this article, explain how to add rules to the properties in individual controls.
What you can put in a validation rule
Your validation rules can contain expressions— functions that return a single value. You can use an expression to perform calculations, manipulate characters, or test data. A validation rule expression tests data. For example, an expression can check for one of a series of values, such as "Tokyo" Or "Moscow" Or "Paris" Or "Helsinki". Expressions can also perform mathematical operations. For example, the expression <100 forces users to enter values that are less than 100. The expression ([OrderDate] - [ShipDate]) calculates the number of days that elapsed between the time an order was placed and the time it shipped.
For more information about expressions, see the article Build an expression.
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Add a validation rule to a table
You can add a field validation rule and/or a record validation rule. A field validation rule checks input to a field, and is applied when the focus leaves the field. A record validation rule checks input to one or more fields is applied when the focus leaves the record. Usually, a record validation rule compares the values of two or more fields.
Notes:The following field types do not support validation rules:
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AutoNumber
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OLE Object
See AlsoSimple Data Validation in SQL -
Attachment
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ReplicationID
Create a field validation rule
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Select the field that you want to validate.
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On the Fields tab, in the Field Validation group, click Validation, and then click Field Validation Rule.
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Use the Expression Builder to create the rule. For more information about using the Expression Builder, see the article Use the Expression Builder.
Create a message to display for field input that is not valid
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Select the field that needs a message for input that is not valid. The field should already have a validation rule.
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On the Fields tab, in the Field Validation group, click Validation, and then click Field Validation Message.
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Enter an appropriate message. For example, if the validation rule is >10, the message might be “Enter a value that is less than 10.”
For some examples of field validation rules and messages, see the section Validation rule reference.
Create a record validation rule
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Open the table for which you want to validate records.
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On the Fields tab, in the Field Validation group, click Validation, and then click Record Validation Rule.
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Use the Expression Builder to create the rule. For more information about using the Expression Builder, see the article Use the Expression Builder.
Create a message to display for record input that is not valid
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Open the table that needs a message for input that is not valid. The table should already have a record validation rule.
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On the Fields tab, in the Field Validation group, click Validation, and then click Record Validation Message.
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Enter an appropriate message. For example, if the validation rule is [StartDate]<[EndDate], themessage might be “StartDate must precede EndDate.”
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Test existing data against a new validation rule
If you add a validation rule to an existing table, you might want to test the rule to see whether any existing data is not valid.
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Open the table that you want to test in Design View.
On the Design tab, in the Tools group, click Test Validation Rules.
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Click Yes to close the alert message and start the test.
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If prompted to save your table, Click Yes.
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You might see a variety of other alert messages as you proceed. Read the instructions in each message, and then click Yes or No, as appropriate, to complete or stop the testing.
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Add a validation rule to a control on a form
You can use the Validation Rule property and the Validation Text property of a form control to validate data that is input to that control and to help users who input data that is not valid.
Tip:If you create a form automatically from a table by using one of the Form commands on the ribbon, any validation for fields in the underlying table are inherited by the corresponding controls on the form.
A control can have a different validation rule from the table field to which the control is bound. This is useful if you want the form to be more restrictive than the table. The form rule is applied, and then the table rule is applied. If the table is more restrictive than the form, the rule defined for the table field takes precedence. If the rules are mutually exclusive, they prevent you from entering any data at all.
For example, suppose you apply the following rule to a date field in a table:
<#01/01/2010#
But you then apply this rule to the form control that is bound to the date field:
>=#01/01/2010#
The date field now requires values earlier than the year 2010, but the form control requires dates have that year or later, thus preventing you from entering any data at all.
Create a validation rule for a control
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Right-click the form that you want to change, and then click Layout View.
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Right-click the control that you want to change, and then click Properties to open the property sheet for the control.
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Click the All tab, and then enter your validation rule in the Validation Rule property box.
Tip:Click the Build button to start the Expression Builder.
For more information about using the Expression Builder, see the article Use the Expression Builder.
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Enter a message in the Validation Text property box.
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Validation rule reference
Validation rules use Access expression syntax. For more information about expressions, see the article Introduction to expressions.
Validation rule and validation text examples
| Validation rule | Validation text |
| <>0 | Enter a nonzero value. |
| >=0 | Value must be zero or greater. -or- You must enter a positive number. |
| 0 or >100 | Value must be either 0 or greater than 100. |
| BETWEEN 0 AND 1 | Enter a value with a percent sign. (For use with a field that stores number values as percentages). |
| <#01/01/2007# | Enter a date before 2007. |
| >=#01/01/2007# AND <#01/01/2008# | Date must occur in 2007. |
| <Date() | Birth date cannot be in the future. |
| StrComp(UCase([LastName]), | Data in a field named LastName must be uppercase. |
| >=Int(Now()) | Enter today's date. |
| M Or F | Enter M for male or F for female. |
| LIKE "[A-Z]*@[A-Z].com" OR "[A-Z]*@[A-Z].net" OR "[A-Z]*@[A-Z].org" | Enter a valid .com, .net, or .org e-mail address. |
| [RequiredDate]<=[OrderDate]+30 | Enter a required date that occurs no more than 30 days after the order date. |
| [EndDate]>=[StartDate] | Enter an ending date on or after the start date. |
Syntax examples for common validation rule operators
| Operator | Function | Example |
| NOT | Tests for converse values. Use before any comparison operator except IS NOT NULL. | NOT > 10 (the same as <=10). |
| IN | Tests for values equal to existing members in a list. Comparison value must be a comma-separated list enclosed in parentheses. | IN ("Tokyo","Paris","Moscow") |
| BETWEEN | Tests for a range of values. You must use two comparison values— low and high— and you must separate those values with the AND separator. | BETWEEN 100 AND 1000 (the same as >=100 AND <=1000) |
| LIKE | Matches pattern strings in Text and Memo fields. | LIKE "Geo*" |
| IS NOT NULL | Forces users to enter values in the field. This is the same as setting the Required field property to Yes. However, when you enable the Required property and a user fails to enter a value, Access displays a somewhat unfriendly error message. Typically, your database is easier to use if you use IS NOT NULL and enter a friendly message in the Validation Text property. | IS NOT NULL |
| AND | Specifies that all parts of the validation rule must be true. | >= #01/01/2007# AND <=#03/06/2008# Note:You can also use AND to combine validation rules. For example: NOT "UK" AND LIKE "U*". |
| OR | Specifies that some but not all parts of the validation rule must be true. | January OR February |
| < | Less than. | |
| <= | Less than or equal to. | |
| > | Greater than. | |
| >= | Greater than or equal to. | |
| = | Equal to. | |
| <> | Not equal to. |
Using wildcard characters in validation rules
You can use wildcard characters in your validation rules. Keep in mind that Access supports two sets of wildcard characters: ANSI-89 and ANSI-92. Each of those standards uses a different set of wildcard characters.
By default, all .accdb and .mdb files use the ANSI-89 standard.
You can change the ANSI standard for a database to ANSI-92 by using the following procedure:
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On the File tab, click Options.
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In the Access Options dialog box, click Object Designers.
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In the Query design section, under SQL Server Compatible Syntax (ANSI-92), select This database.
For more information about using wildcard characters and the ANSI standards for SQL, see the article Access wildcard character reference.
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FAQs
Does validation rule limit data entry? ›
A validation rule is one way to restrict input in a table field or a control (such as a text box) on a form. Validation text lets you provide a message to help users who input data that is not valid.
What are the three 3 types of validation rules in Access? ›For example, you can only do math with data entered in number or currency fields, and you can only format text entered into text fields. There are three main types of rules you can set for a field: data type, character limit, and validation rules.
How do I restrict validation rule in Salesforce? ›- Click on the Gear Icon.
- Select Setup.
- Click on the Object Manager Tab.
- Select any object you want to see the limit.
- Click on Object Limits.
- Check limit on Active Validation Rules row.
Validation rules limitation
You can have up to 100 active rules for an object. Compound fields, including addresses, first and last names, and dependent picklists and lookups cannot be referenced in a validation rule. Workflow rules and some processes can invalidate previously valid fields.
- To limit the number of characters a user is allowed to input. Use case: To notify a user the phone number they entered is invalid.
- To make sure data is not greater than what is entered. Use case: If a future date is not allowed.
- To make sure data matches in two different fields.
- A) Prospective validation (or premarket validation)
- B) Retrospective validation.
- C) Concurrent validation.
- D) Revalidation.
The three types of validation are emotional, behavioral and cognitive. Do not use validation immediately following problem behaviors which are maintained by validation.
What is an example of a validation rule in Access? ›| Data Validation Examples | |
|---|---|
| Validation Rule | Description |
| >=Date() | Must be today's date or after. |
| <=Date() | Must be today's date or earlier. |
| “Business” or “Pleasure” or “Other” | Must be “Business” or “Pleasure” or “Other.” |
What data validation rules are. Data validation rules control what constants can be entered into a cell, e.g. any whole number between 0 and 9, or one of several values from another part of the spreadsheet.
How do I restrict data? ›- Open your phone's Settings app.
- Tap Network & internet. Internet.
- Next to your carrier, tap Settings .
- Tap Data warning & limit.
- If it's not already on, turn on Set data limit. Read the on-screen message and tap Ok.
- Tap Data limit.
- Enter a number. ...
- Tap Set.
How do I bypass a user in validation rule? ›
Bypass Validation Rules
To set up a Validation Rule bypass, the process also starts by creating a new field on your User object. This field is a checkbox and can be named “Bypass VR”. This value must then be entered on all validation rules for all objects.
When records are edited by a user - If a user is updating any records user might know or might not know what kind of information needs to be entered into the fields.So validation rule can be used here to prevent invalid data.
Does validation stop all data entry errors? ›Data validation is the process of checking the accuracy and quality of data before it is entered into a database or a spreadsheet. Data validation can help you avoid errors, inconsistencies, and duplicates that can affect your analysis and reporting.
Which data validation option can one choose to restrict data entry from? ›- Select the cells where you want to restrict data entry.
- On the Data tab, click Data Validation > Data Validation . ...
- In the Allow box, select the type of data you want to allow, and fill in the limiting criteria and values.
Range validation can be used to ensure data accuracy and reliability. For example, if you are entering a quantity, you can set a range validation rule that limits the data to a minimum and maximum value, such as 1 and 100. This can help to prevent unrealistic or erroneous entries.
What type of data you can restrict using the data validation feature? ›For example, Excel data validation allows you to limit data entries to a selection from a dropdown list and to restrict certain data entries, such as dates or numbers outside of a predetermined range. Data validation can also help you control formulas and the input from those formulas.