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Quick Reference Card - Choose between Access and Excel

See also

Decide between a relational and flat data structure

  • A relational structure breaks data into separate, related tables.
  • A flat structure is a self-contained list.

Ask a few more questions

These questions help you decide between Microsoft® Office Access™ and Microsoft Office Excel®, based on the strengths of each program:

  • Do you need to store and manage your data, or analyze it? For storage, use Access; for analysis, use Excel.
  • Do you have a lot of data? Even if it's flat data, Access can make it easier to use and manage.
  • Is your data mostly text, or mostly numbers? Access can store a lot of text and make it easier to use. Excel makes it easier to store and use numbers in a flat structure.

Solid reasons to use each program

Access is best for Excel is best for
Data entry. Storing numbers.
Reports that users can run at any time. PivotTable® reports — reports in interactive tables that allow you to rotate the rows and columns to see different summaries of your data.
Connecting to external databases and editing data in those databases. Charts, conditional formatting, color bars, and other visual data displays.
Allowing multiple users to work on the data simultaneously. Greater familiarity. More people use Excel than Access.
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