Copy only the first 2 characters of a post code

[Jay Pee]

Dear all,



In a table containing customer addresses I have several fields, among which are the post code in the format of 4 integers, a space, and 2 letters (Dutch format, e.g. 2258 BG). However, for an indication of regions I want a column next to the post code which automatically gives me the first 2 characters (so only integers in this case) of the post code.

I was thinking to use the = expression and simply copy the post code in the new column and then apply a trim to only show the first 2 characters, but after setting the expression to fill the new column I seem to be severely limited in my options to alter the column's format. How do I manage this?

[orange]

You can get the first 2 characters from post code:

Left(PostCode,2)

Since you do NOT do arithmetic with a post code, you should treat itas string data.
If you need a numeric sort you can use CInt(Left(PostCode,2))

[Jay Pee]

Totally forgot to mention you helped me out with this.

[orange]

So it's all working now?

[Jay Pee]

Yes I made an update query to transform and recode the 6 character postcode into the first 2 digits only in an adjacent column. That way I have both the original postcode and a way to appoint customers to a geographic region. I've mapped the query to run as soon as the full postcode field looses focus and the field is set to only accept complete postcodes.