ACC97: Why a Calculated Control Is Blank

ID: Q159731

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Access 97

SUMMARY

Novice: Requires knowledge of the user interface on single-user computers.

This article explains why a calculated control may appear blank.

MORE INFORMATION

When you have a calculation that contains a Null value, the result of the calculation will also be Null. A Null value is not the same as zero; instead, it can be thought of as an unknown value. The result of adding an unknown value to a number is unknown.

When you have fields that contain Null values, you can create an expression that converts the Nulls to zero. You might do this if you want the records containing Null values to be included in an aggregate (totals) calculation, or if you want to prevent an expression from resulting in a Null value when a field that is referenced in the expression contains Nulls. To convert Null values to zero, use the Nz() function. For example:

   Nz([Subtotal])+Nz([Freight])

REFERENCES

For more information about handling Null values, search the Microsoft Access Help Index for "blank fields, Null values," or ask the Microsoft Access 97 Office Assistant.

Additional query words:

Keywords          : kbprg kbfaq
Version           : 97
Platform          : WINDOWS
Hardware          : x86

Last Reviewed: November 21, 1998