Free Lessons
Courses
Seminars
TechHelp
Fast Tips
Templates
Topic Index
Forum
ABCD
 
Home   Courses   TechHelp   Forums   Help   Contact   Merch   Join   Order   Logon  
 
Home > TechHelp > Directory > Access > What is a Query? < What is a Table? | What is a Form? >
What is a Query?
By Richard Rost   Richard Rost on LinkedIn Email Richard Rost   5 years ago

What is a Query in Microsoft Access?


 S  M  L  XL  FS  |  Slo  Reg  Fast  2x  |  Bookmark 

Queries are used to display data from the tables in various ways. They can be used to sort or filter data. Advanced queries can also be used to modify, delete, or add data. 

Prerequisites

What's Next

Recommended Courses

Learn More

FREE Access Beginner Level 1
FREE Access Quick Start in 30 Minutes
Access Level 2 for just $1

Free Templates

TechHelp Free Templates
Blank Template
Contact Management
Order Entry & Invoicing
More Access Templates

Resources

Diamond Sponsors - Information on our Sponsors
Mailing List - Get emails when new videos released
Consulting - Need help with your database
Tip Jar - Your tips are graciously accepted
Merch Store - Get your swag here!

Questions?

Please feel free to post your questions or comments below or post them in the Forums.

KeywordsWhat is a Query in Microsoft Access?

TechHelp Access, what is a query

 

Start a NEW Conversation
 
Only students may post on this page. Click here for more information on how you can set up an account. If you are a student, please Log On first. Non-students may only post in the Visitor Forum.
 
Subscribe
Subscribe to What is a Query?
Get notifications when this page is updated
 
Intro In this video, we will talk about what a query is in Microsoft Access. You will learn how queries help you view, sort, and filter data from your tables, making it easy to display specific information like customers from a certain state. We will also discuss how queries can be saved for repeated use, and mention that queries can be used to modify data, though we will cover those advanced options in later lessons.
Transcript What is a query in Microsoft Access?

The data in your tables might not be stored in any particular order. You may have hundreds of thousands of records in your table, and the boss says to you, "I want to see a list of only customers from Florida sorted by last name." That is what a query is used for.

A query can be used to display data in different ways. You can sort your data or apply criteria to only a few specific fields. Queries can be saved and used later, so you do not have to keep redesigning them. Someone with little Access knowledge can run your query simply by double-clicking on it.

Queries can also be used to modify data, add records, delete records, or edit records. We will learn more about these types of queries, called action queries, in our expert classes.

For today, just keep in mind that queries let you view the data in your tables in different ways.

Thank you.
Quiz Q1. What is the primary purpose of a query in Microsoft Access?
A. To view data in tables in different ways
B. To create reports from scratch
C. To change the format of the database
D. To backup data only

Q2. Which of the following tasks can you perform using an Access query?
A. Sort data and apply criteria to fields
B. Design new tables
C. Change the color scheme of the database
D. Create forms only

Q3. Why are queries useful for people with little Access knowledge?
A. They can run saved queries by double-clicking on them
B. They need to write SQL code every time
C. Queries require deep technical skill to use
D. Queries are only accessible to database administrators

Q4. What is true about action queries in Access?
A. They are used to modify, add, or delete records
B. They are used to change interface colors
C. They only display data but never change it
D. They create backup copies of tables

Q5. According to the video, what should you remember about queries for now?
A. Queries let you view data in tables in different ways
B. Queries cannot be saved for later use
C. Queries are only for programmers
D. Queries cannot sort data

Answers: 1-A; 2-A; 3-A; 4-A; 5-A

DISCLAIMER: Quiz questions are AI generated. If you find any that are wrong, don't make sense, or aren't related to the video topic at hand, then please post a comment and let me know. Thanks.
Summary Today's video from Access Learning Zone focuses on what a query is in Microsoft Access.

Often, the information in your tables is not organized in any particular order. You might have a huge number of records, and someone might ask to see only a certain group of them. For instance, your boss may request a list of customers from Florida, sorted by their last name. This is a perfect situation where a query becomes essential.

With a query, you can view your data in many different ways. Queries let you sort your records and filter them based on specific criteria, so you can focus on just the information you need. Once you've created a query, you do not need to design it all over again each time you want to use it. Simply save the query, and anyone can run it later by opening it, even without much Access experience.

Queries are not limited to just viewing your data. They can also be designed to make changes. You can add new records, update existing ones, or even remove records from your tables. These types of queries are known as action queries, and we will explore those in detail in the more advanced lessons.

For now, remember that queries are a powerful tool that allow you to look at your table data from different perspectives and meet specific needs quickly.

You can find a complete video tutorial with step-by-step instructions on everything discussed here on my website at the link below. Live long and prosper, my friends.
Topic List Definition of a query in Microsoft Access
Using queries to filter data by criteria
Sorting data with queries
Displaying specific fields using queries
Saving and reusing queries
Allowing others to run saved queries easily
Introduction to action queries (modify, add, delete, edit records)
Viewing table data in different ways using queries
 
 
 

The following is a paid advertisement
Computer Learning Zone is not responsible for any content shown or offers made by these ads.
 

Learn
 
Access - index
Excel - index
Word - index
Windows - index
PowerPoint - index
Photoshop - index
Visual Basic - index
ASP - index
Seminars
More...
Customers
 
Login
My Account
My Courses
Lost Password
Memberships
Student Databases
Change Email
Info
 
Latest News
New Releases
User Forums
Topic Glossary
Tips & Tricks
Search The Site
Code Vault
Collapse Menus
Help
 
Customer Support
Web Site Tour
FAQs
TechHelp
Consulting Services
About
 
Background
Testimonials
Jobs
Affiliate Program
Richard Rost
Free Lessons
Mailing List
PCResale.NET
Order
 
Video Tutorials
Handbooks
Memberships
Learning Connection
Idiot's Guide to Excel
Volume Discounts
Payment Info
Shipping
Terms of Sale
Contact
 
Contact Info
Support Policy
Mailing Address
Phone Number
Fax Number
Course Survey
Email Richard
[email protected]
Blog RSS Feed    YouTube Channel

LinkedIn
Copyright 2026 by Computer Learning Zone, Amicron, and Richard Rost. All Rights Reserved. Current Time: 4/30/2026 1:08:42 PM. PLT: 1s
Keywords: TechHelp Access, what is a query  PermaLink  What is a Query in Microsoft Access?