A method and apparatus for input data selection for content addressable memory. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an array of CAM cells, a select circuit adapted to generate a plurality of select signals each indicative of a segment of input data provided to the CAM apparatus, and switch circuitry including a plurality of programmable switch circuits each programmable to output a respective bit of the input data as a comparand bit for the array of CAM cells in response to one of the select signals.