Error in simple operation in new calculated field

[gifariz]

I am new in Access (and not currently planning to go deep).
I want to do simple operation in new calculated field: (1) combine two text fields with "__" delimiter, and (2) multiply/divide numberic field with a value.
Then, I will save the Access and load it to Excel as a Pivot.

I saw this video by microsoft to do that: Video: Use the Calculated data type to combine fields - Microsoft Support
When I try that, and also the division operation similarly, I got this error "Verify that expression '[OutputCase] + "__" + [Joint]' (or '[U3] / 3.86') includes fields that exist in the current table":

What did I miss?
TIA

 

[Joe4]

Where are you trying to do this calculation? Directly in the table, or in a query?
While newer versions of Excel allow you to do calculated fields right at the table level, there are a bunch of limitations (i.e. I don't believe you are allowed to reference other fields).
Having calculated fields at the table level isn't really a good idea. It violates the rules of normalization (not good database design). It is much better to do it at the query level.
And you can really use queries for just about anything that you would use tables for, so there is no issue there.

 

[gifariz]

Where are you trying to do this calculation? Directly in the table, or in a query?
While newer versions of Excel allow you to do calculated fields right at the table level, there are a bunch of limitations (i.e. I don't believe you are allowed to reference other fields).
Having calculated fields at the table level isn't really a good idea. It violates the rules of normalization (not good database design). It is much better to do it at the query level.
And you can really use queries for just about anything that you would use tables for, so there is no issue there.

Thank you for your answer. I tried to do it in table, didn't know there is table vs query difference.
Now that I know Access has whole new system different than excel, it may take me a while to learn.
So I will use Power Query in excel to process Access data for now, and will revisit Access again in the future.
Thanks

 

[Joe4]

Now that I know Access has whole new system different than excel, it may take me a while to learn.

Yes, the learning curve for Access is a little steeper than Excel's, but it is very powerful.
Following the rule of Data Normalization and good database design are key in developing good Access databases.
Here is a good article of some of the basics: Database design basics - Microsoft Support

 

[gifariz]

Yes, the learning curve for Access is a little steeper than Excel's, but it is very powerful.
Following the rule of Data Normalization and good database design are key in developing good Access databases.
Here is a good article of some of the basics: Database design basics - Microsoft Support

Thank you!

 

[RoryA]

Just FYI you should use & for concatenation too, not + especially if one or more of the fields is numeric.