Function Problems

How to Filter Individual Keywords in Excel Cells Containing Multiple Words

Phi Hung Vo Sep 25, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs a way to filter and find specific individual keywords within cells that contain strings of multiple words, specifically without relying on Microsoft Access.

How to Filter Individual Keywords in Excel Cells Containing Multiple Words

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Searching for a specific keyword within a dataset where the target text is mixed with other words in the same cell.
Observed behavior: Standard exact-match filtering does not isolate single words when cells contain multiple words, requiring a partial match or wildcard solution.

Before you start

Ensure your dataset has clear column headers and no completely blank rows within the data range, as empty rows can break the filter boundary.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Built-in Text Filters (Recommended)

Using the 'Contains' text filter is the most straightforward method to find cells that include a specific word among multiple words without needing complex formulas.

This method is highly effective for basic keyword searches. It is not case-sensitive, meaning it will find your keyword regardless of capitalization.

Select Your Headers

Click on any cell within your data range or select your column headers directly.

Apply the Filter

Go to the Data tab on the Excel ribbon and click the 'Filter' button to add drop-down arrows to your headers.

Access Text Filters

Click the filter drop-down arrow on the column you want to search. Hover over 'Text Filters' in the menu.

Choose Contains

Select 'Contains...' from the sub-menu. In the Custom AutoFilter dialog box, type your specific keyword and click 'OK'.

Use the Built-in Text Filters (Recommended)

Solution 2

Use Advanced Filter with Asterisk Wildcards

For more complex filtering tasks or when setting up a dashboard, you can use Excel's Advanced Filter combined with asterisk (*) wildcards.

Efficient Data Management

Filter Keywords Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides powerful and intuitive filtering tools, including custom text filters and advanced wildcard support, helping you quickly isolate specific keywords in complex data sets.

1. Open Your File: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open the workbook containing your dataset.
2. Enable AutoFilter: Highlight your column headers, navigate to the Data tab, and click 'AutoFilter'.
3. Select Text Filters: Click the filter arrow on your target column, hover over 'Text Filters', and choose 'Contains'.
4. Enter Keyword: Type the individual keyword you want to find and click 'OK' to instantly view the filtered rows.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx and .xls) formatsIntuitive Text Filters for quick partial matchesSeamless support for wildcards (* and ?) in advanced searchesLightweight, fast, and free to use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I filter for multiple keywords at the same time in Excel?

Yes. You can use the Custom Filter option, select 'Contains' for the first keyword, choose the 'And' or 'Or' operator depending on your needs, and set 'Contains' for the second keyword.

Are Excel filters case-sensitive?

Standard AutoFilters and Text Filters (like 'Contains') are not case-sensitive. If you need case-sensitive filtering, you must use the Advanced Filter combined with an EXACT function formula in your criteria.

Why is my filter missing some rows that contain the keyword?

This usually happens when there are entirely blank rows in your dataset, causing Excel to stop applying the filter range at the first blank row. To fix this, clear the filter, manually select your entire data range (including data below the blank rows), and reapply the filter.

How do I clear the text filter once applied?

To clear a filter, click the funnel icon with a red 'X' next to the column header you filtered, and select 'Clear Filter From [Column Name]'. Alternatively, go to the Data tab and click the 'Clear' button in the Sort & Filter group.

Excel & Data Problems