How to filter slicer options via search by 'starts with'

[Anonymous]

Is there a way to configure the search in the slicer so that when I search 'B' it shows options STARTING with B rather than simply containing B. If not, is there a workaround anyone can suggest using a search filter visual? Thank you.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,
Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum. Thank you @pankajnamekar25, for your inputs on this issue. I have identified workaround that may help resolve the issue. Please follow these steps:

In Power BI, the slicer search box uses a "contains" match by default. This means typing "B" will return any values containing "B" anywhere in the string (such as "AB001" or "BL000"), rather than only those starting with "B".

Unfortunately, there is no built-in option to change the slicer search logic to a "starts with" filter. This behaviour also applies to most custom visuals, including Microsoft's Text Filter, which also uses "contains" logic.

Workaround Option: If a non-dynamic approach is acceptable, you can create a calculated column in your data model using DAX to flag values that begin with a specific character (e.g., "B"), and then use that in a slicer or as a visual-level filter.

Example DAX:

StartsWithB = IF(LEFT('SalesTable'[SalesOption],1) = "B", "Yes", "No")

You can then: Add a slicer using this new column (Yes or No), Or use it to filter visuals based on whether the Sales Option starts with "B"

Note: This is a static approach you would need to create similar logic for other letters if needed. Currently, Power BI does not support dynamic "starts with" filtering in slicers directly. However, by using DAX-based workarounds, you can guide users toward specific filtered options.

Hope this helps! If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Thank you for using Microsoft Community Forum.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

Can you guide me in creating a dropdown filter 'Starts with' containing options A-Z and 1-9 that can be used to filter the list of options instead of a search bar?

[v-kpoloju-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous,
Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft fabric community forum.

After thoroughly reviewing the details you provided, I was able to reproduce the scenario, and it worked on my end. I have used it as sample data on my end and successfully implemented it.    

Output:

If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Thank you for using Microsoft Community Forum.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

May I ask if you have resolved this issue? If so, please mark the helpful reply and accept it as the solution. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.

Thank you.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. If my response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.
Thank you.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like to discuss this further. If this answers your question, please Accept it as a solution and give it a 'Kudos' so others can find it easily.
Thank you.

[v-kpoloju-msft]

Hi @Anonymous,

May I ask if you have resolved this issue? If so, please mark the helpful reply and accept it as the solution. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.

Thank you.

[pankajnamekar25]

Hello @Anonymous 

That is not possible with native slicer you can to look cutome slicer from appsource.

Thanks,
 Pankaj Namekar | LinkedIn

If this solution helps, please accept it and give a kudos (Like), it would be greatly appreciated.