Filter function with wildcard in excel & operator concatenate the two values where it lays "*" & E4 : criteria, formula checks each cell and returns only the cells which satisfies the criteria Here the range is given as array reference and pattern is given as cell Jan 11, 2022 · But as @Anonymous suggested the wildcard filter are not available directly in power query, maybe we can use it with dax if you can share your pbix or data in excel for me to try. How can i make it work? Nov 21, 2023 · The objective of this tutorial is to show how to use wildcards with the XLOOKUP and FILTER functions in Excel. FILTER is a power dynamic array function which you need to know. Unlock new efficiency and precision in your spreadsheet tasks today. It displays the Advanced Filter dialog box instead of the AutoFilter menu. I have collated this data from another work book using the filter function below. Aug 3, 2024 · 8 useful examples to use VBA code to filter data in Excel. As we know, sometimes we need to use the Excel Advanced Filter feature of Excel to filter out strings that are not entirely the same but have some similar pattern. Benefits of using Wildcards in Excel: Utilizing wildcards can lead to time-saving and efficiency in searching for data. Here is a Aug 6, 2024 · =GROUPBY(row_fields, values, function, [field Headers], [total_depth], [sort order], [**filter_array**], [field relationship]) I would like to use the FILTER ARRAY for search and group partial text matches, for instance Venus would find "Venus Printing Company" or "The Planet Venus". 6 days ago · The Excel FILTER function is a powerful tool for extracting rows based on conditions, but advanced techniques like SEARCH, XMATCH with BYROW, and REGEXMATCH enhance its wildcard filtering May 30, 2025 · Excel wildcard characters are special symbols that help users perform partial matches and flexible data operations across large datasets. Here a guide to using them. The code below executes when a users makes a change to a text box on the same workshe Excel Advanced Filter can be used to extract a list from a data base with predefined criteria. These can also be used in the Conditional Formatting rules that use the "Only format cells that contain specific text" criteria. By using ISNUMBER and SEARCH, you can search for substrings within a larger text, making it easy to find items by any part of the name. Here's how to use these characters in filters, searches, and formulas. Jan 27, 2023 · This post shows how to use and master the FILTER function in Excel. This makes FILTER a flexible way to isolate and inspect data without altering the original dataset. Jun 27, 2024 · 4 easy ways to filter data matching multiple criteria using the FILTER function of Excel. g. Nov 23, 2021 · Hello, I have a set of data that I need to filter automatically. They can be used directly in the quick filter and auto filter, in the extended search, including for a search and replace, and also in the formulas. Filter both multiple criteria of AND and OR types. How to use the FILTER function in Excel to filter a range of data based on criteria you define. May 12, 2025 · Wildcards in Microsoft Excel let you search for partial matches, broaden your filters, and create formulas that reference cells containing certain strings. For more about using wildcard characters with the Find and Replace features in Excel, see Find or replace text and numbers on a worksheet. We explore the basics of Excel VBA, setting up advanced filters, writing the code, applying multiple criteria, using wildcards and operators, automating filters, troubleshooting common issues, and providing advanced filter tips and tricks. If Aug 4, 2021 · Are you wanting to get more out of the FILTER function? Do you want to take your filtering game to the next level? If so, then this is the video for you. Excel is an incredibly powerful tool, but its true magic lies in its flexibility. Sep 4, 2021 · With wildcards in Excel, you can narrow down your search in spreadsheets. Jan 6, 2022 · This tutorial will demonstrate how to use wildcard characters in Excel and Google Sheets. Learn how to set up dynamic filters in Excel using the FILTER function and wildcards to return partial matches in real-time. Use syntax =FILTER (array, include, [if_empty]) and rely on its spill behavior to keep results live when source data changes. In this section, we’ll cover the available wildcards, for example, wildcard usage and functions that support wildcards. Wildcard lookups and include or exclude criteria - Excel 365 The image above shows an Excel 365 formula that extracts records from a data set located on sheet2 based on criteria specified in cells B3:E5. On “Sheet7” of the example workbook, a dataset includes different electronic items from various brands, their respective categories, and prices. They are useful when working with data sets with similar, but not identical data. Find Anything in Excel I FILTER Function with Wildcards Explained I Fastech Computer Academy IWant to filter text dynamically in Excel—even when you don’t kn Jun 15, 2015 · that will treat the * 's as literal asterisks (not wildcards) so that will only return TRUE if A1 literally contains *&* You can use COUNTIF function, even for a single cell, e. I'm not even sure if a partial match using the filter function is Apr 18, 2020 · This video shows an example of the FILTER Function in Excel with a "wildcard" or "partial" match. While Excel doesn't support full regex functionality, you can use wildcards with creative formula structuring (functions like SEARCH(), TEXT(), and ISNUMBER()). Wildcards also reduce manual efforts to manually sort through data 6 days ago · The Excel FILTER function is a powerful tool for extracting rows based on conditions, but advanced techniques like SEARCH, XMATCH with BYROW, and REGEXMATCH enhance its wildcard filtering Mar 26, 2019 · Become an Excel wildcard wizard with our comprehensive guide! Learn how to master wildcard characters in Excel for efficient data analysis. One of the underrated features that every Excel user—from beginner to advanced—should master Oct 3, 2019 · Try the following as your criteria: ="=*-1" This would work because we can mix up a wildcard with these logical operators as described as below to check for an exact match: There are three Excel wildcard characters (asterisk, question mark, and tilde) that can get some amazing stuff done in Excel. Download our practice book, modify data and exercise. May 30, 2025 · Learn how Excel's wildcard characters enhance flexibility in search, replace, and formula logic. Cells B4:E4 allow you to include or exclude specific conditions using drop down lists. Now, using COUNTIF function with wildcard, let us find the number of times, the name Jan 26, 2024 · In this guide, we cover the step-by-step process of implementing advanced filters using Excel VBA code. A missing condition (blank) in cells B5:E5 is not used into the calculation, in other words, it is Apr 23, 2024 · Learn how to the definition and uses of FILTER function in Excel. Use wildcard characters as comparison criteria for text filters and when you're searching and replacing content. There are different types of wildcard characters, each of them with different uses. Jul 15, 2024 · In this article, we will demonstrate how to use wildcards in Excel. Nov 22, 2019 · Excel wildcards can be used to replace any character in Excel and allow the user to perform advanced searches and matching. Feb 18, 2020 · If you want to search with multiple criteria using a * as a wildcard you can use the LET function with the SEARCH to define an array you can then FILTER. Aug 23, 2022 · Hopefully, I was able to explain how you can use a combination of Excel functions with the Filter function to carry out a bunch of different wildcard or partial match search criteria. For example, consider the below table showing a list of names. Discover tips to find, count, and filter special characters easily with our step-by-step guide. If source data or criteria change, FILTER will return a new set of results. Jan 7, 2019 · Excel wildcard characters Three Microsoft Excel wildcard characters are available for filtering: ? for one character, * for zero or more characters, and ~ to escape a wildcard. I have added a second tab with the criteria and the correct headers. It gives a lot of control as compared regular filter. In this example, the goal is to extract a set of records that match a partial text string. Jul 20, 2020 · I would like to use the Filter function with wildcards, as shown below. Oct 6, 2022 · This tutorial explains how to use wildcard characters in an Excel FILTER function, including examples. Explore symbols like *, ?, and ~ with real-world use cases in COUNTIF, VLOOKUP, SEARCH, and more. Explanation: COUNTIF function count the cells given criteria Criteria is given in using * (asterisk) wildcard to look for value which has any number of characters. Users can also use wildcards in conjunction with filters to get more specific search results. Feb 12, 2025 · Learn how to search for literal asterisks in Excel. Jun 28, 2023 · I am trying to write a filter function that will pull all rows with a partial match to a vendor name based on the selected audit date. & operator concatenate the two values where it lays "*" & E4 : criteria, formula checks each cell and returns only the cells which satisfies the criteria Here the range is given as array reference and pattern is given as cell Jan 18, 2024 · This example shows how to use the asterisk (*) wildcard character in Excel VBA code to filter data in Excel. May 9, 2023 · How to Search for Wildcards in Excel: Searching for wildcards in Excel is easy by using the Find and Replace tool. Here are some examples. =FILTER('Nexala Report Miles to Next Exa'!A:E,(ISNUMBER(SEARCH(("15*_A*"),'Nexala Report Miles… Guide to Wildcard In Excel. The output from FILTER is dynamic. Mar 14, 2023 · The tutorial shows how to make Excel IF statement with wildcard text and get it to work for partial matches. Practice Excel Wildcards here!. Understanding Wildcard Filtering in Excel Excel’s filter function is highly flexible, especially when combined with wildcard searches to locate partial matches in data. Nov 11, 2025 · In this article, I will show you how to use the Advanced Filter with Wildcard in Excel. This is achieved by inserting two other functions (ISNUMBE In this video, we will explore how to effectively use the FILTER function in Excel, along with wildcards, to filter data with formulas. Excel offers nearly 20 worksheet functions that support the ability to use wildcards in their arguments to filter results. Discover how to use wildcards in Excel to find and analyze data with partial information. In the example shown, the formula in G7 is: where Table1 is an Excel Table that contains 100 rows of data in B5:E104. 🚀 Unlock hidden Excel tricks and hacks, and become a time-saving Excel pro 👉 excel In this video, we update the equation built in our “Using Excel’s Wildcards with the FILTER Function” video to provide more precise control over your filtered results. Apr 23, 2015 · Is there a way to use an Excel auto filter, whereby you set a predefined list of values to filter by, and it will return all the cells in a column that contain that phrase? For example imagine the Aug 4, 2021 · Are you wanting to get more out of the FILTER function? Do you want to take your filtering game to the next level? If so, then this is the video for you. 1. Here we discuss how to use the three types of wildcards with examples and downloadable excel template. Microsoft Office Excel uses the separate criteria I am using the autofilter function in VBA to filter an excel sheet. Nov 12, 2025 · Thankfully, Excel’s wildcard characters can help you get there faster. Below is a picture of a piece of the table. Why do we use wildcards in Excel? When searching and replacing content or using conditional formatting rules, utilize wildcard characters as comparison criteria for text filters that use the "Format cells that contain specific text" criteria. They represent non-specified characters to help you locate text values with "fuzzy" matches. wildcards (asterisk * and question mark ?): traditionally used for partial text matches in Excel’s UI and some lookup functions. FILTER does not accept wildcards directly in Explanation: COUNTIF function count the cells given criteria Criteria is given in using * (asterisk) wildcard to look for value which has any number of characters. Jan 11, 2022 · But as @Anonymous suggested the wildcard filter are not available directly in power query, maybe we can use it with dax if you can share your pbix or data in excel for me to try. If Leveraging Complex Logic for Wildcard Filtering in Excel The capacity to filter large and complex datasets efficiently is perhaps the most fundamental skill Apr 9, 2025 · 2. 🕰️ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:41 Contains criteria 02:54 Begins with criteria 04: Overview of advanced filter criteria The Advanced command works differently from the Filter command in several important ways. Jan 6, 2020 · Wildcard represents one or more other characters. Wildcards are special characters that allow you to perform “fuzzy” matching on text in your formulas. Has anyone found a workaround to do this? =GROUPBY(B:B,C:C,SUM,0,0,,B:B="Venus Stores Company") successfully 5 days ago · Key insights FILTER: Excel’s dynamic-array function that returns matching rows or columns. You type the advanced criteria in a separate criteria range on the worksheet and above the range of cells or table that you want to filter. 4 days ago · Learn how to extract specific text in Excel using LEFT, RIGHT, MID, TEXTBEFORE/AFTER, FIND, SEARCH, SUBSTITUTE, and delimiter-based formulas. I just cannot find a way to do a partial match using the filter function. By using Wildcard characters, we are able to filter out all those strings. We will learn how to perform partial matches and search for specific patterns within a dataset. In this Microsoft Excel video tutorial I explain how to use wildcard criteria with the FILTER function. If you're looking for Excel tips and tricks, you're in the Jun 4, 2025 · The Excel FILTER function is used to extract matching values from data based on one or more conditions. Once you learn how to use them, you’ll find that they fit naturally into features like filters, the Find and Replace tool, and formulas using COUNTIF, VLOOKUP, SEARCH, and other smart Excel conditional functions. Wildcard characters such as the asterisk “ * “, question mark “? ” and tilde “ ~ ” can greatly extend searching, counting, and additional functionality of functions such as AVERAGEIF, SUMIF, COUNTIF, Excel database functions, and others. It's a bit messy but it works Apr 5, 2023 · To use select records from a set of data based on a partial match, you can use the FILTER function with the SEARCH function. You can use them to find and replace text, match patterns, and more. Step-by-Step Guide to Filtering with Jun 22, 2025 · Wildcard in Excel – Full Guide with Examples for Beginners to Experts Learn how to use wildcard in Excel like a pro. Excel Wildcard Symbols A wildcard is a special character that can be substituted for characters when filtering or looking up data. In this guide, we're going to show you how to use Wildcard criteria in Excel formulas. 10 easy examples are discussed with proper explanation. This video shows how we can use wildcards (partial matches) with the XLOOKUP and FILTER functions. Unleash Excel's potential with wildcards! Explore advanced formulas, solve common issues, and boost productivity by using wildcard in excel. I have viewed this question (although it pertains to Google Sheets) and tried it but I failed. Discover practical examples using *, ?, and ~ in filtering, VLOOKUP (), and more.