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How to Search Microsoft Access Records Beginning with a Specific Letter

Tauseeq Magsi Oct 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to filter Microsoft Access query results to show only records that start with a specific letter, using input dynamically pulled from a form control.

How to Search Microsoft Access Records Beginning with a Specific Letter

Product: Microsoft Access
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating an Access query that dynamically filters results based on a letter entered into a text box on an open form.
Observed behavior: Setting up the correct WHERE clause and wildcard syntax to successfully return matching records based on the database engine's requirements.

Before you start

Ensure that the Microsoft Access form containing your search text box remains open while you are running the query, as the query needs to read the live value from the control.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Standard Access SQL Wildcard Syntax

Apply the standard asterisk (*) wildcard combined with the Like operator to match strings in traditional Access databases.

By default, standard Microsoft Access databases (ANSI-89 syntax) use the asterisk (*) as a wildcard character to represent zero or more characters. You can concatenate this wildcard to your form control reference.

Open the query in Design View

Right-click your query in the navigation pane and select 'Design View', or switch to 'SQL View' from the ribbon.

Enter the Like condition

In the criteria row of your target field (or in the WHERE clause), enter: WHERE [Field Name] Like [Forms]![YourFormName]![YourControlName] & "*".

Keep the form open

Ensure your search form is open in Form View and that a letter is entered into the text box control.

Run the query

Click the 'Run' button (the red exclamation mark) on the Design tab to execute the query and view the filtered records.

Check Control Names: Verify that your form name and control name exactly match the identifiers used in the SQL brackets to prevent parameter prompt errors.

Solution 2

Use SQL Server-Compatible Syntax (ANSI-92)

Use the ALike operator and the percent (%) wildcard if your database is configured for ANSI-92 or connects to SQL Server.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Access query return zero records or prompt for a parameter value?

This usually happens if the referenced form is closed when the query runs, or if the form/control names in the SQL syntax are misspelled. Ensure the form remains open in Form View and double-check the spelling of [Forms]![YourFormName]![YourControlName].

What is the difference between the asterisk (*) and percent (%) wildcards in Access?

The asterisk (*) is the default wildcard character used in standard Microsoft Access databases (ANSI-89). The percent sign (%) is the standard wildcard for SQL Server and is used in Access when it is explicitly configured for ANSI-92 SQL syntax.

Can I search for records ending with a specific letter instead?

Yes. To search for records ending with a specific letter, place the wildcard before the form control reference in your SQL syntax, for example: WHERE [Field Name] Like "*" & [Forms]![FormName]![ControlName].

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