Text radio button set used to set numerical value?

[bbevel]

This is probably very simple, and I'm probably over explaining it here, but I'm drawing a blank. My DB is for copyshop job tickets. I have a radio button set with 6 options for users to select the type of paper they want (plain letter, cardstock letter, plain legal, etc).

The copyshop charges a rate for each paper type, but some of the rates are the same for different types - ie colored letter paper is the same rate as plain letter and the same rate as plain legal (.006 cents per sheet).

The DB needs to record the paper type and assign the rate in a separate field for the same record.

What I'd like to do is have a set of radio buttons to select paper type, and have the rate field be calculated based on that.

So if a user selects "8.5 x 11 plain", the PAPER TYPE field registers "8.5 x 11 plain" and the PAPER TYPE RATE field registers a numerical value of .006, which I can use in a final "total cost involved" calculated field.

Thanks!

[LaRetta]

I would suggest using a small table to keep your rates. Every time the rates change or you add a paper size, you don't want to open the calculation. It would be best if it were available to your Owner or Business Manager to change those rates or add a new paper size as a record. :wink2:

[bbevel]

Thanks - Actually, I just solved it with a simple CASE function, which should have been obvious. The rates don't change very often (once a year, tops), so changing it in the CASE function is fairly easy.

It would probably be better to have a RATES table, though. I'll put that on my 'to-do' list.

[mr_vodka]

I would make this fix now than later. Creating a table that stores your current way is the proper way to go. Then you can basically have an auto-enter field or lookup store the current rate taht is in your rates table. This is the correct way for historical data.

Otherwise, if you just change the value in a calc, then all of your records including the ones that had perhaps a 5% rate a few years ago will adjust to the new rate.