How to Filter Data By Wildcard Search With Multiple Keywords

Published: 09 Apr 2021
Last Modified Date: 24 Aug 2022

Question

How to create a single wildcard search filter that allows searching by multiple keywords?

Environment

Tableau Desktop

Answer

The following steps are demonstrated in the attached workbook. The required calculation fields differ depending on whether the search is an AND or OR search.
AND Search

Create a parameter named as Search Terms (Comma Separated).

Data type: String
Current value: keep it blank.
Allowable values: All

Create a calculated field named as Regex String (AND) including the following formula.
```
"(?=.*" + REPLACE([Search Terms (Comma Separated)], ',', ")(?=.*") + ").*"
```
Create a calculated field named as AND Filter including the following formula.
```
REGEXP_MATCH([Product Name],[Regex String (AND)])
```
Place Product Name to rows and AND Filter to filters, then select True.

OR Search

Create a parameter named as Search Terms (Comma Separated).

Data type: String
Current value: keep it blank.
Allowable values: All

Create a calculated field named as Regex String (OR) including the following formula.
```
"(" + REGEXP_REPLACE([Search Terms (Comma Separated)], ',', '|') + ")"
```
Create a calculated field named as OR Filter including the following formula.
```
REGEXP_MATCH([Product Name],[Regex String (OR)])
```
Place Product Name to rows and OR Filter to filters, then select True.