How to Fix DLookup Errors for Price Factors in Microsoft Access

In Microsoft Access, this error happens because the lookup criteria do not match the field type being searched. In the example below, the form combo box shows Insttype, but the expression tries to compare that value against the numeric ID field, which causes #Error.

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Sample table structure

• Table: Table1
• Fields: ID, Insttype, Price Factor, Lead time
• Rows: 1 | XEGP | 0.2235 | 23, 2 | XEXF | 0.3345 | 23, 3 | CT5100 | 0.2235 | 20, 4 | XEFD | 0.2323 | 26

Why Access returns #Error

• ID is numeric, but the combo box value being referenced may be text from Insttype.
• Field names with spaces must be wrapped in brackets, so use [Price Factor].
• The expression belongs in the text box Control Source, not in a command line or unrelated property.

The cleanest fix is matching the lookup field to the right value

In this Access case, #Error comes from comparing the wrong field types and not bracketing [Price Factor]. If the combo box already contains the needed value, using a hidden column with =AnaCombo0.Column(2) is usually more reliable than DLookup.

Keep your Access troubleshooting notes organized

Use WPS to document corrected formulas, property settings, and verification steps for your Access forms so repeated fixes stay easy to follow.

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Fix DLookup Errors for Price Factors in Microsoft Access FAQs

Do I always need brackets around Price Factor in Access?

Yes, in expressions and SQL you should write it as [Price Factor] because the field name contains a space. Without brackets, Access can misread the name and return an error.

When should I use Column(2) instead of DLookup?

Use Column(2) when the combo box already includes the needed value in its RowSource. It is simpler, faster, and avoids an extra lookup call.

How do I verify that the stored Price Factor will not change later?

Save the value into a bound field in the combo box After Update event, then change the source value in Table1 and reopen the record. If the saved field still shows the original factor, the snapshot worked.

Why does Microsoft Access DLookup return Error when showing Price Factor?

This typically breaks because the criteria compares a numeric ID to a text value, or because a field name containing a space (like Price Factor) is not properly enclosed in brackets.