SEARCH DAX function returns the number of the character at which a specific character or text string is first found, reading left to right. Search is case-insensitive and accent sensitive.
It’s comes under TEXT functions DAX category.
Syntax:
SEARCH(<find_text>, <within_text>, <start_num>, <NotFoundValue>)
Parameters:
find_text: The text you want to find, use double quote.
- You can use wildcard characters – the question mark (?) and asterisk (*) – in find_text. A question mark matches any single character, an asterisk matches any sequence of characters.
- If you want to find an actual question mark or asterisk, type a tilde (~) before the character.
within_text: The text in which you want to search for find_text, or a column containing text.
start_num: (optional) The character position in within_text at which you want to start searching. If omitted, 1.
NotFoundValue: (optional) The value that should be returned when the operation does not find a matching substring, typically 0, -1, or BLANK().
Note:
- The search function is case insensitive.
- This function does not support Direct Query mode
- This function support wildcards.
Let’s get started:
Import below sample dataset into Power BI desktop-
Id | Statement | Rating |
1 | Service | 5 |
2 | Food Quality | 5 |
3 | Atmosphere | 7 |
4 | Value for money | 5 |
5 | Cleanness | 7 |
6 | Coffe Quality | 6 |
7 | Help 24 * 7 | 8 |
8 | AC / Lights | 8 |
9 | Help – Desk | 10 |
Now follow these steps-
Step-1: Add one new column , Right click on dataset and select “New Column” and write below DAX function.
Search char position = SEARCH("R",Survey[Statement], , -1)
Step-2: Here we want to find “R” character position for all values of Statement column.
Now click on Data tab and you can see the position number. It will return -1, if not found character in string.

Search DAX function Power BI
Step-3: Support wildcard character, only for question mark(?) & asterisk (*) use tilde (~) before the character.

Search DAX function
Step-4: For other wildcard character- no need to use tilde (~) before the character.

Search DAX with wildcard
Refer other DAX post – DAX Tutorials
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