When using a database, what is a field?

In a database, the field is the smallest source of input for users to enter data. For example, a field in a database may ask for a company's name, tax identification number or income. A group of many fields is called a record, and a field in a spreadsheet is known as a cell.

Fields can be required, optional or calculated. Required fields must have data entered into them, while optional fields may be left blank. Calculated fields take the information from other fields to produce values using a specified calculation. Users do not perform these calculations; instead, a formula is entered into the system that provides an equation to calculate the values.