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# What is Database Normalization?
- URL: https://nolongerset.com/under-100-normalization/
- Published: 2022-10-20T18:45:11.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-08T12:54:04.000Z
- Description: The concept of database normalization explained in under 100 words. #Under100
- Author: Mike Wolfe
- Tags: Under 100, #Import 2026-05-20 02:59

It sounds complex, but the concept of database normalization can be summed up in three words:

**Don't Repeat Yourself**

Follow these guidelines and you're 90% of the way there:

- Use an Autonumber primary key in each table.
- Store each piece of data only once.
- Store one piece of data per field.
- If you can calculate it, don't store it.
- Lists of finite choices should be in their own tables and referenced by ID.

One final piece of advice: databases are not simply bigger Excel spreadsheets. Don't treat them as such!

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