---
title: "Set up phonetic search rules"
slug: "set-up-phonetic-search-rules-general"
description: "Optimize duplicate checks with phonetic search algorithms like Double Metaphone to identify similar-sounding names effectively."
tags: ["Task topic"]
updated: 2026-03-20T08:50:08Z
published: 2026-03-20T17:44:40Z
canonical: "docs.staedean.com/set-up-phonetic-search-rules-general"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.staedean.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up phonetic search rules

On duplicate checks of type '**Fuzzy matching**', you can apply phonetic search algorithms. You can use a phonetic search algorithm to check on duplicate names that sound similar, for example, John and Jon.

To apply a phonetic search algorithm to a duplicate check, set up a phonetic search rule and link it to a field in a duplicate check.

The supported phonetic search algorithm is [Metaphone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metaphone). You can apply these versions of the Metaphone algorithm:

- Double metaphone
- Metaphone 3

### Advanced setup

You are advised to start applying phonetic search with the basic setup, which is with the selected **Phonetic search algorithm**.

Based on testing and experience, you can finetune the phonetic search rule setup by defining:

- A maximum length: The maximum number of characters for a phonetic search key. The shorter a phonetic search key is, the fuzzier the duplicate check result is.
- Words to be ignored: You can define the words for which you do not want to create a phonetic search key.

### Steps

1. Go to **Data quality studio > Setup > Phonetic search** rules.
2. Click **New**.
3. In the **Phonetic search rule** field, type a value.
4. In the **Phonetic search algorithm** field, select an option.
5. Sub-task: Set phonetic search rule parameters.
  1. Expand the **Parameters** section.
  2. In the **Phonetic key maximum length** field, enter a number.
6. Sub-task: Define words for which no phonetic search key is desired.
  1. Expand the **Ignored words** section.
  2. Click **Add line**.
  3. In the **Word** field, type a value.

## Related

- [Phonetic search on fuzzy duplicate checks](/phonetic-search-on-fuzzy-duplicate-checks.md)
- [Synchronize phonetic search keys](/synchronize-phonetic-search-keys-general.md)