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How to Map Access Data Types to SQL Server During Migration

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to understand how to correctly map data types from Microsoft Access to SQL Server to ensure compatibility when moving databases.

Product: Microsoft Access / SQL Server
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Migrating an existing database structure and its contents from Microsoft Access to Microsoft SQL Server.
Observed behavior: Compatible data types must be identified and mapped for fields like numbers, dates, and text to prevent data truncation or conversion errors.

Before you start

Document your current Access database schema and field definitions to ensure you select the most appropriate SQL Server equivalents.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Microsoft's Official Data Type Comparison Guide

Referencing Microsoft's standard mappings ensures data integrity when manually recreating tables or writing migration scripts.

Because SQL Server handles data differently than Access, direct translation is required for many field types. For example, Access 'Short Text' becomes 'nvarchar' in SQL Server, and 'Number (Long Integer)' maps to 'int'.

Identify Access Data Types

Open your Microsoft Access database in Design View to review the data type and field size of each column.

Review the Official Mapping Guide

Visit the official Microsoft support page detailing 'Comparing Access and SQL Server data types' (Support ID: 9188f41d-6c0e-4733-9d20-d08916f50bd2).

Map to SQL Server Equivalents

Translate the Access definitions to SQL Server types in your creation scripts. Ensure you account for field lengths (e.g., matching a 255-character Short Text to nvarchar(255)).

Solution 2

Automate Mapping with SQL Server Migration Assistant (SSMA)

Using Microsoft's official migration tool simplifies the process by automatically suggesting and applying the best data type mappings.

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Plan Your Database Migration with WPS Office

While migrating databases requires specialized tools, planning your schema and tracking data mappings is easiest in a spreadsheet. WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for all your database documentation needs.

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and create a new blank spreadsheet.
2. Create a Mapping Template: List your original Access table fields in column A and write the target SQL Server data types in column B.
3. Save and Share: Save your document in .xlsx format to share with database administrators and developers.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formats (.xlsx) for seamless data mapping spreadsheets.Lightweight architecture that won't slow down your system during resource-intensive database operations.Familiar ribbon interface ensures zero learning curve when switching from MS Office.Built-in PDF tools for exporting and sharing migration reports with your database team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SQL Server equivalent of the Access Yes/No field?

In SQL Server, the Access Yes/No field maps to the 'bit' data type. In this format, 1 represents Yes (True) and 0 represents No (False).

How do I map an Access AutoNumber field to SQL Server?

SQL Server does not have an 'AutoNumber' type. Instead, you map it to an 'int' or 'bigint' data type and set the column's 'Identity Specification' property to 'Yes' (Is Identity = True).

Which SQL Server data type should I use for Access Memo or Long Text?

Access Long Text (previously known as Memo) should typically be mapped to 'nvarchar(max)' in SQL Server, which can store large blocks of Unicode text.

How are Access Date/Time fields handled in SQL Server?

Access Date/Time fields are usually mapped to the 'datetime2' data type in modern SQL Server versions, as it provides a larger date range and better fractional second precision than the older 'datetime' type.

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