10 Google Search Tricks You Might Not Know

1. 
   

   

   
   

   1. Boolean Search Parameters

   
   

   
   

   To really master the art of Google search, you can follow certain
   terms and tricks. For instance, rather than simply asking Google a question in the search box, include specific items such as type of file or title name.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


2. 
   

   

   
   

   2. Public Data

   
   

   
   

   Google has an entire
   directory of public data, which you can also access to look up trends. Type keywords such as “population” or “unemployment,” followed by a state or county.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


3. 
   

   

   
   

   3. Easter Eggs

   
   

   
   

   Google’s developers have a sense of humor — just type in “do a barrel roll” or “let it snow” to see for yourself. There are a number of other
   hidden easter eggs as well.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


4. 
   

   

   
   

   4. Tracking a Package
   

   
   

   
   

   If you have the tracking number for a FedEx, UPS or USPS package, type it into the search box and Google will provide you with quick updates on your package’s status.

   
   

   Image courtesy of Flickr,
   miskan

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


5. 
   

   

   
   

   5. Calculator

   
   

   
   

   Need a quick answer to a math problem? Enter the calculation into the search box.

   
   

   Image courtesy of
   learningdslrvideo.com

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


6. 
   

   

   
   

   6. Unit Conversions

   
   

   
   

   Wondering how many milliliters are in one cup? Google has a built-in converter for different units of measurement, like height, weight and volume.

   
   

   You can also do the same for currency conversions.

   
   

   Image courtesy of
   Eduardo Mueses

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


7. 
   

   

   
   

   7. Sports Tracking

   
   

   
   

   If you’re on the go, but need a quick check on your favorite sports team, enter the team or league name into the search box.

   
   

   Image courtesy of Flickr,
   macwagen

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


8. 
   

   

   
   

   8. Medication

   
   

   
   

   Find brief summaries and descriptions for most generic and brand name prescription drugs in the U.S. by typing their names into the search box.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


9. 
   

   

   
   

   9. Flight Schedule
   

   
   

   
   

   Whether you need to check the status on a U.S. flight or book a trip, there are a couple terms that can help you plan accordingly.

   
   

   Enter the name of the airline and the flight number to check its status. To see schedules to or from specific locations, type in “flights from” or “flights to” along with the city or airport.

   
   

   Image courtesy of Flickr,
   caribb

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   
   
   


10. 
    

    

    
    

    10. Sunrise and Sunset

    
    

    
    

    Wondering when to catch a sunrise or sunset? If you type “sunrise” or “sunset” followed by the name of the city, Google’s built-in feature counts down to the next occurrence.

    
    

    Image courtesy of Flickr,
    Vince Alongi

    
    

    
    

    
    

    
    
    
    

Google is used by millions of people every single day to resolve any query you could possibly imagine. That being said, it seems there’s a hidden trick or two that even the most skilled in “Google Fu” might not know exists.

Certain tools are built in to Google’s search mechanics to provide quick, reliable answers. For example, if you need to convert a measurement unit, you’ll receive a quick answer at the top of Google search.

SEE ALSO:
Beyond Barrel Roll: 10 Hidden Google Tricks

To improve your search experience, utilize this
list of features to help refine what you’re looking for. We’ve collected 10 quick Google tricks that you might’ve not known existed.

Image courtesy of
iStockphoto,
Alija

10 Google Search Tricks You Might Not Know