---
title: "Set key fields for tables"
slug: "setting-key-fields-for-tables"
updated: 2026-06-01T16:28:46Z
published: 2026-06-01T16:28:46Z
canonical: "help.quickbase.com/setting-key-fields-for-tables"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.quickbase.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set key fields for tables

## About key fields

Quickbase requires each table to include one field that contains a unique value for each record. This is called the **key field**. Key fields ensure that records that are identical in every other way always have a unique identifier.

By default, the key field on a table is the **Record ID#**. As you add records, Record ID# automatically includes a new unique number.

You might choose to set a key field that is not Record ID# because you want the key field to contain data more meaningful to your work. For example, a part number, account number, or employee ID number.

## Requirements for key fields

A key field:

- Must be unique
- Cannot contain a formula

If you are setting an existing field to be a key field, all values in the field must already be unique.

Only certain field types can be set as key fields:

- **Currency**
- **Date**
- **Email**
- **Numeric**
- **Percent**
- **Rating**
- **Text**
- **Text - multiple choice**
- **Time of day**
- **User**

> [!NOTE]
> Note
> 
> Formula fields cannot be set as key fields. For example, an **Email** field can be a key field, but **Formula - email** cannot.

## Change the key field

1. Open the table with the key field you want to change.
2. Select **Settings**.
3. Select **Fields**.
4. Select the checkbox for a field, then select the **Set Key** button at the top of the list of fields. A **Change the Key Field** dialog box opens. ![The Set Key button highlighted at the top of the fields list in table settings](https://cdn.document360.io/dd260e4e-10bb-4b66-8fb3-5504c272b904/Images/Documentation/34155465584276.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-10-13T00%3A57%3A34Z&se=2026-10-13T01%3A57%3A34Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=HKh8GQUQfDp%2ButGw9shVqR2G%2BhVlh0a%2FmOd4bcZ1J%2F8%3D)

If your table is a parent table in one or more [relationships](/v1/docs/what-are-table-to-table-relationships), read the warning dialog carefully. When you change the key field in a parent table, Quickbase updates other tables in the app accordingly.
5. In the dialog box, select the **Set Key** button to finish.

When you create your own key field, Quickbase automatically displays it as a required field on the table's forms.