# Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Google Search Tricks

**URL:** https://www.singlegrain.com/blog-posts/42-useful-google-search-tricks/  
**Published:** 2016-10-20  
**Updated:** 2023-11-28  
**Author:** Eric Siu  
**Summary:** Google is not just a search engine\. Even if you aren’t counting all the additional services owned by Google \(Gmail, Google\+, YouTube, Drive, Calendar, Hangouts\), or all the different versions of\.\.\.  

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Google is not just a search engine. Even if you aren’t counting all the additional services owned by Google (Gmail, Google+, YouTube, Drive, Calendar, Hangouts), or all the different versions of the search engine (Scholar, Books), you can do a ton of things besides a traditional search on Google’s search page.

And with [at least two trillion searches](http://searchengineland.com/google-now-handles-2-999-trillion-searches-per-year-250247) annually (which works out to at least 5.5 billion per day, or 228 million per hour, or 3.8 million per second, or 63,000 per second—which I discovered by using Google to calculate), people are clearly using the engine for a little bit of everything.

Try using it as a currency or measurement converter, to follow stocks or track a package, or to keep a specific domain _out_ of search results. Using operators will allow you to create very specific searches and perform specific tasks.

Here’s a list of 42 of the most useful Google search tricks that’ve probably never thought of—some practical, some just plain fun. Everyone knows how to Google, but by learning how to Google like a pro, you can harness the full power of the search giant and impress your boss and friends alike. Or at least find stuff.

**Free Bonus Download:** Get this entire post in a handy, downloadable PDF so you can Google like a pro! [**Click here to download it for free right now!**](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/google-like-a-pro-42-of-the-most-useful-search-tricks.png)



### **Use the Operators** 

There are plenty of [operators](https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/2466433?hl=en)—additional instructions, punctuation and symbols that allow Google to get you laser-focused results—that you can include in your query. Try using [Google Advanced Search](https://www.google.com/advanced_search) to narrow your search even more.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Search-Operators.png)

### **Calculate** 

Math not your strong suit? Just type in an equation: anything from 1 + 1 to sin(90) / cos(30) can be calculated by Google in mere seconds. Take that, solar-powered pocket calculator!

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Calculator.png)

### **Convert Currency** 

For all those Americans planning to flee to Canada after the next election, you’ll need to get a handle on the currency exchange rate. Google to the rescue. What’s 10 U.S. dollars in Canadian dollars? Do they even use dollars in Canada? Just type **10 us dollars in Canadian** or **10 usd to cad** (if you happen to know the 3-letter currency code), and the search results will show the amount and the type of currency used. (FYI…they do use dollars up north, and $10 USD will get you $13.12 CAD at the time of writing.)

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Currency-Converter.png)

### **Tell Time** 

Want to know the time in Budapest? Type **time Budapest**, and the top result will show the time, the corresponding time zone, and the date. **What time is it in Budapest** works too.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Time.png)

### **Convert Measurements** 

The same conversion metrics can show you **10 tsp to tbsp**, **100 km in miles**, and **8 pints in quarts**. Need to convert pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kg)? Simply type **X lbs to kg** and hit enter (easiest weight loss you’ll ever see).

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Measurement.png)

### **Follow Stocks** 

See how well your stocks are performing by typing **stock:INFY** (or the appropriate stock exchange abbreviation). Don’t know the abbreviation? The “stock:” operator even works with full names, so **stock:microsoft** and **stock:MSFT** will both pull up the same information.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Stock.png)

**Free Bonus Download:** Get this entire post in a handy, downloadable PDF so you can Google like a pro! [**Click here to download it for free right now!**](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/google-like-a-pro-42-of-the-most-useful-search-tricks.png)



### **Track the Sunrise and Sunset** 

Planning on getting up at the literal crack of dawn? Look up **sunrise Los Angeles**. Arranged to meet someone at sundown? Type **sunset Seattle**.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Sunrise-Sunset.png)

### **Get the Weather** 

Find out what it’s like outside by either ZIP (or postal) code or location. Enter **weather 94103** or **weather Vancouver**. Just in case you don’t have a window to check.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Weather.png)

### **Convert Temperatures** 

Speaking of the weather, since pretty much all other countries in the world except the United States use the Celsius scale, if you’re traveling to a place in which the current temperature is 30 °C, you should know to pack shorts and not a parka. Just look up **100 C in F** or **100 degrees C in F** or **100 Celsius in Fahrenheit**. Interesting tidbit: -40 is the same in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. How does _that_ work?

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Temperature.png)

### **Search a Domain** 

Want to see what Single Grain has to say about SEO? Search **site:singlegrain.com SEO** and the “site:” operator restricts the search to only that domain.
![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-SG-SEO.png)

### **Calculate a Tip** 

For most of us, calculating the 15% (or 10% or 20%) tip at a restaurant can be mentally exhausting. And there’s no shame in that. Simply type **tip calculator** into Google, enter your bill total, desired tip percentage, and number of people. Instant math. Ain’t technology grand?!

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Tip.png)

### **Keep a Domain _Out_** **of Search** 

Tired of seeing Wikipedia articles on your SERPs? Use **-site:wikipedia.org** before your search term to remove results from that site.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-No-Domain.png)

_**Learn More: [10 Google Search Console Hacks to Boost SEO](https://www.singlegrain.com/seo/10-google-search-console-hacks-to-boost-seo/)**_

### **Search .edu Sites** 

If you know you’re looking for information or details most likely found on an educational or scholarly website, limit your search results to those domains. Use the **site:edu** operator to only get results from .edu and scholarly research websites.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Edu.png)

### **Search the URL** 

If you’re looking for pages originating in 2009, use the **inurl:2009** operator before your search term to find pages with 2009 in their URL address.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-In-URL.png)

### **Find Out about a URL** 

Type the “info:” operator to see what information Google knows about a website. Use **info:singlegrain.com** to get the dirt on us.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Info-URL.png)

_**Read More: [10 Companies with the Best Digital Marketing Campaigns](https://www.singlegrain.com/digital-marketing-2/10-companies-doing-online-marketing-right/)**_

### **Increase Your Useless Knowledge**

You never know when useless trivia may save your life. Type **fun facts** or **i’m feeling curious** into Google’s search bar, and get answers to the questions that few, if any, people are actually asking.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Curious-1.png)

### **Track a Package** 

Just type in the tracking number to see when a UPS package is expected to arrive.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Track.png)

### **Keep Up with Your Favorite Team** 

If sports are your thing, type in the names of the two teams while a game is in progress to see the latest boxscore. Or just enter the name of your favorite team (Go Sens Go!) to see who and when they next play.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Teams.png)

### **See How Tall Someone Is**

Weird? Yes. But if you type **Adele** **height**, Google will guess 5’9″ (best guess from available data, of course). This is useful if you need to know whether you’re taller than Tom Cruise (you are).

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Height-1.png)

### **Check On a Flight** 

Waiting for someone on United flight 900? Just type **United 900** (or Air Canada 7331 or WestJet 1697 or any other airline and flight number), and the results will show whether the flight is on schedule, what time it departed, and what time and gate it’s expected to arrive.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Flight.png)

### **Find a Flight** 

To hell with picking someone else up at the airport! If you want to take a trip, try looking up flights between two locations by entering the two airport codes. For example, to go from New York to LA, enter **JFK LAX**. From Toronto to Budapest? Type **YYZ BUD**. The results will list available flight options, duration, and “starting from” prices. And if you don’t know the airport code offhand, trying searching **Toronto to Budapest** instead.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Flight-1.png)

### **Find Local Info** 

Google can tell where you are based on your preferences or IP address. To search local information for somewhere else, while planning a vacation or trip for example, type **italian food 94103** (adding the ZIP or postal code) or **laser tag new orleans** (adding the place name).

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Local-Info-1.png)

### **Find the Nearest…**

Want to see the closest Thai restaurant options, or the nearest bank? Use the “near me” operator to see a handy list. Try **coffee shops near me**, or **24-hour restaurants near me** the next time you’re awake at 3am.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Near-Me.png)

**Free Bonus Download:** Get this entire post in a handy, downloadable PDF so you can Google like a pro! [**Click here to download it for free right now!**](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/google-like-a-pro-42-of-the-most-useful-search-tricks.png)



### **See Where a ZIP Code Is** 

If you come across an unfamiliar ZIP or postal code, enter it in the search field to see a map of where it represents.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Zip.png)

### **Find Patents** 

Enter a patent number after the word “patent” to find information on it. Try **Patent 5123123** (it’s a bathtub overflow control device, and we can all agree the world is a better place because of it. Thank you, Thomas G. Hart and Peter Hladik.).

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Patent.png)

### **Look for Files** 

If you remember reading a census report in PDF, you can search for **filetype:pdf census report**. The “filetype:” operator works with [other types](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_file_formats), too, like .docx, .avi, .jpeg, and .png. Health coverage and poverty in the U.S.? Yikes, let’s not go there.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-File-Type.png)

### **See Downed Websites** 

Into every website, a little downtime must fall. Use the “cache:” operator to see [Google’s cached version](http://websearch.about.com/od/focusongoogle/qt/google-cache.htm) of a site. If Single Grain ever goes down, at least you can check **cache:singlegrain.com**.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Cache-1024x575.png)

### **Define a Word** 

If you don’t feel like thumbing through a dictionary (does anyone even do that anymore?), use the “define:” operator. For example, **define:avocado**. (Huh. The avocado is a fruit. Who knew?)

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Define.png)

### **Keyword in the Title** 

If you want to make sure the titles of pages in the search results include your keyword, use the “intitle:” operator. For example, **intitle:prince** will ensure that “Prince” appears in all the titles. (Wait, what? He died??)

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-In-Title.png)

### **Multiple Keywords in the Title** 

If you have multiple keywords to find in the title, you need to use the “allintitle:” operator. For example, **allintitle:baby moose**. (When it comes to baby animals, _of course_ you’ll get images and video!)

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-All-in-Title.png)

### **Omit a Word** 

Use a dash to remove words from your search. If you’re looking for Schwarzenegger, but not Arnold, enter **Schwarzenegger -Arnold**. (So there _is_ more than one Schwarzenegger in the world.)

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Omit.png)

### **Find One of Two Words** 

To broaden a search to include at least one of two search terms, use the “OR” (it must be capitalized) operator. Entering **treehugger OR environmentalist** will return results on both terms.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-OR.png)

### **Check Facts** 

Look up facts by typing **population Los Angeles** or **average rainfall Mexico City** or **president China** or **most common cancer**, or virtually any other fact you want to discover or confirm.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Fact-.png)

### **See Recent Earthquakes** 

Just type **earthquake** to see a list of recent earthquakes, or add the location if you’re interested in a specific quake.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Earthquake.png)

### **Exact Phrase Search** 

Using quotation marks lets you perform an exact phrase search that will only include results with those exact words in that exact order. For example, **“vegemite recipes”** will get you a whole lot of results about exactly nothing.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Exact-Phrase.png)

**Free Bonus Download:** Get this entire post in a handy, downloadable PDF so you can Google like a pro! [**Click here to download it for free right now!**](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/google-like-a-pro-42-of-the-most-useful-search-tricks.png)



### **Search Images by Color** 

Use Google Image search, and select the color of image you’re looking for by using the color dropdown menu under Search Tools. You can look for full color images, black and white images, transparent images, or choose a specific color depending on your needs.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Image-Color-1.png)

### **Search Images by Size** 

You can also select the image size, including: any size, large, medium, icon, larger than, and exactly. Find the menu under Search Tools.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Image-Size.png)

### **Search Images by Type** 

Select what type of image you are looking for: face, photo, clip art, line drawing, or animated (to find the perfect GIF for your blog post).

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Image-Type.png)

### **Flip a Coin** 

Have a tricky either/or decision to make? Need some “let the universe decide” assistance? Google will gladly flip a coin for you if you type **flip a coin** in the search field. Chinese or Italian for dinner? The new rom-com or latest Marvel superhero epic tonight? Google and fate will decide.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Flip-Coin.png)

### **Search by Voice** 

Modern Android smartphones allow you to ask Google a question from virtually any screen with the “[OK Google” command](http://ok-google.io/). You can turn it on from the [Google Now home screen](http://www.androidbeat.com/2015/12/how-to-enable-ok-google-from-any-screen-on-your-android-device/) under Settings >Voice >”Ok Google” detection. And then ask to your heart’s content.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Voice-1.png)

### **Create an Alert** 

If you’re running the same search over and over again, set up a simple [Google Alert](https://www.google.com/alerts) to have results e-mailed to you on your chosen topics.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Alert.png)

**Free Bonus Download:** Get this entire post in a handy, downloadable PDF so you can Google like a pro! [**Click here to download it for free right now!**](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/google-like-a-pro-42-of-the-most-useful-search-tricks.png)



### **Play Against Google**

Think you have what it takes to defeat Google in armed combat? Enter **tic tac toe** in the search bar and play the classic game against the search engine. Select the difficulty level, choose your weapon (X or O), and marvel at how fast the hours disappear.

![Google Like a Pro: 42 of the Most Useful Search Tricks](https://www.singlegrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Google-Play-Against.png)

**_What about you? What secret tips, tricks, or hacks do you frequently use on Google Search? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!_**