Last updated: August 25, 2026.
The Microsoft Access Format function converts a value into a formatted string. Use it in queries, controls, reports, macros, and VBA when you need a specific date, number, currency, percentage, or text presentation.
Syntax
Format(expression, [format], [firstdayofweek], [firstweekofyear])| Argument | Description |
|---|---|
expression | The date, number, text, or other value to format. |
format | Optional named format such as Long Date or a custom expression such as yyyy-mm-dd. |
firstdayofweek | Optional constant defining the first day of the week. The default is Sunday. |
firstweekofyear | Optional constant defining the first week of the year. |
The last two arguments matter primarily when the format expression uses week-related symbols.
Common format expressions
| Format | Typical result |
|---|---|
yyyy-mm-dd | 2026-05-25 |
mmmm d, yyyy | May 25, 2026 |
#,##0.00 | 25,748.00 |
0.00% | 74.50% |
> | Uppercase text |
< | Lowercase text |
Named formats such as Currency, Long Date, and Short Date use the computer’s regional settings. Use a custom expression when the output must follow one exact pattern.
Format examples
Format(#5/25/2026#, "yyyy-mm-dd") ' 2026-05-25
Format(0.745, "0.00%") ' 74.50%
Format(25748, "$#,##0.00") ' $25,748.00
Format("web cheatsheet", ">") ' WEB CHEATSHEETFormat changes the returned display string, not the value stored in the table. Keep the original date or numeric field for sorting, filtering, and calculations.
Use Format in an Access query
SELECT
Format([BirthDate], "yyyy-mm-dd") AS FormattedBirthDate,
Format([Salary], "#,##0.00") AS FormattedSalary
FROM Employees;A calculated column is useful for reports or exports. If a form or report only needs a different appearance, setting the control’s Format property is often simpler.
Use Format in VBA
Dim reportDate As String
reportDate = Format(Date, "yyyy-mm-dd")For the complete list of symbols and named formats, see Microsoft’s Format function reference.
