Access vs. Excel

[william2002]

I am getting ready to post a database and derive charts from that database. The size of the database is approximately 6.5 mb (quite a large file). The problem is I will need to analyze this database with "grouping." Thus, I would likely have to use a pivot table in excel or use an Access query. I don't know which application would be best b/c I am somewhat familiar with excel but not at all familiar with Access. Can anyone sort out the strengths and weaknesses of each program and possibly suggest the best?

thanks in advance
william

 

[Norie]

William

That's quite a broad subject and there are many advantages/disadvantages to both applications.

In Excel you probably would use a pivot table to summarize data by groups.

In Access you would probably use an aggregrate (Totals) query and/or a crosstab query.

In Access you can create charts, but they don't have the same flexibility/functionality as charts in Excel.

However what you can do is automate one application from the other.

For example you could store the data in Access and then use code in Excel to pull it into a worksheet and create the charts.