I have set up a calculation to generate a unique code for a contact (the first three letters of their first name and the first three letters of their second name). I want to use this field as a match field to relate to other tables but I can't have a calculation field matched with a text field, the related data isn't correct. Any help appreciated!

Susan, I strongly advise against using Names (part or whole) as relational keys. This may work at first for a small record set, but there are two major problems that you'll encounter at one point or another: 1. Eventually you will have contacts with similar or the same names. It is essential that the database knows how to keep them apart. 2. Names change over time. You would not want your relationships coming apart because some of the keys no longer match.

It is much better to use an auto-entered serial number, or some other unique numbering system as the primary keys for your tables.

Thanks for your advice. I am going to change the code to auto entry serial numbers. It's all fun when you're learning!! Cheers!

As you read and learn, check the Article section as it has a good Unique ID technique.