Solved: Re: Text Filter Help

fuc · ‎02-14-2025

Hello all,

Is it possible for a text filter to be able to do a "fuzzy search"?

Example:

User types in "Teir" into the text search box but actually should have typed "Tier".

I would need for "Tier" to show up even if the user transposed the middle characters.

Any guidance is appreciated.

Thanks.

rohit1991 · ‎02-17-2025

Hi @fuc ,

Yes, implementing a fuzzy text search in Power BI is possible, but it requires a workaround since the default Text Filter visual does not support approximate matching. One effective method is using Power Query’s Fuzzy Merge, where you create a reference table with correct spellings and then perform a fuzzy merge between the user’s input and this list, allowing minor variations like typos or transpositions.

Another approach is using DAX with search functions, such as SEARCH or CONTAINSSTRING, to create a calculated column that ranks words based on similarity, though this requires a structured list of possible terms. For more advanced use cases, integrating Power Automate with Cognitive Services can provide intelligent text recognition and similarity scoring. While Power BI does not have built-in fuzzy search for text filters, these methods can help approximate the intended input and display the correct results even when a user mistypes a word.

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rohit1991 · ‎02-17-2025

Hi @fuc ,

Yes, implementing a fuzzy text search in Power BI is possible, but it requires a workaround since the default Text Filter visual does not support approximate matching. One effective method is using Power Query’s Fuzzy Merge, where you create a reference table with correct spellings and then perform a fuzzy merge between the user’s input and this list, allowing minor variations like typos or transpositions.

Another approach is using DAX with search functions, such as SEARCH or CONTAINSSTRING, to create a calculated column that ranks words based on similarity, though this requires a structured list of possible terms. For more advanced use cases, integrating Power Automate with Cognitive Services can provide intelligent text recognition and similarity scoring. While Power BI does not have built-in fuzzy search for text filters, these methods can help approximate the intended input and display the correct results even when a user mistypes a word.

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Anonymous · ‎02-16-2025

Hi @fuc ,

As parry2k said, you can come up with your own ideas in Idea.

Currently Power BI Desktop only has fuzzy search available in Power Query.

You can check out this documentation below to learn more:

How fuzzy matching works in Power Query - Power Query | Microsoft Learn

Best Regards

Yilong Zhou

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

fuc · ‎02-17-2025

Thanks for responding! Unfortunately, fuzzy matching isn't what is needed for this. Not a merge, just need to search on the text in a column. I may find a creative way....

parry2k · ‎02-14-2025

@fuc I don't think this functionality is available, it is a good idea. Maybe add this as an idea on the ideas forum.

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