I often use Google Search when I need a quick answer, whether I’m looking something up or converting measurements. But Search can do much more.
It has several handy tools tucked away that can save me from installing another app or interrupting what I’m doing to find a separate utility. Some are surprisingly useful for everyday tasks, while others are fun to play with.
Here are some of the most useful tools I’ve discovered hiding in Google Search.
I set timers and stopwatches without opening another app
Turn Google Search into a handy timer
When I need to time something, my first instinct is to reach for my phone’s Clock app. But I don’t need to leave my browser. Google Search has a built-in timer and stopwatch I can access from either my phone or computer.
To start a countdown, I type timer into Google Search. It brings up an interactive timer above the search results, usually set to five minutes by default. I can enter a custom duration or search for something more specific, such as timer for 20 minutes to get the countdown I need.
The timer also has handy controls. I can start, pause, or reset it, and quickly add 30 seconds, one minute, or five minutes without setting it up again.
There’s also a fullscreen option for PC that makes the countdown easier to see when I’m working on something away from my computer.
When I need to measure elapsed time, I search for stopwatch and start it from the results. It displays the running time with a circular indicator, and I can pause or reset it when I need to.
I use Google Search to crunch numbers
Skip the calculator app for simple math
I don’t always need to open a calculator app to work something out. Google Search can handle everything from simple arithmetic to more complicated calculations, and I can get the answer by typing an equation into the search bar.
For example, when I want to calculate a percentage, add up expenses, or figure out the price of a discounted product, I enter the calculation into Google. Search displays the result along with an interactive calculator I can use for further calculations.
I also found the built-in unit converter handy. Instead of looking for a dedicated conversion app, I can type 10 miles in kilometers or 200 degrees Celsius in Fahrenheit into the search bar. Google instantly displays the converted value.
It supports several categories, including length, temperature, weight, speed, volume, area, and digital storage.
Currency conversions work the same way. I can enter a query such as 100 USD in EUR to see the equivalent amount. This is handy for comparing prices or planning trip expenses.
Google Search has a digital level
This hidden bubble level is perfect for DIY jobs
If you’ve ever tried to hang a picture frame or install a shelf, you know how useful a spirit level can be. But you don’t need to buy one or install a dedicated app for occasional DIY jobs. Google Search has a built-in bubble level that can turn your phone into a handy leveling tool.
To access it, open Google Search on your phone and type bubble level or spirit level. You’ll see an interactive tool that displays a bubble that moves as you tilt the phone.
Place the phone against a surface or object and adjust it until the bubble is centered.
The tool uses the phone’s motion and orientation sensors, so you don’t need to install another app.
For when I can’t pick between options
Sometimes I spend more time weighing my options. When I get stuck, I turn to Google Search, which has a few handy built-in tools that help me decide without installing another app.
If I want to leave something to chance, I search for flip a coin to get a virtual coin toss with heads or tails as the possible outcomes.
Similarly, searching for roll a die brings up a digital dice roller. You can choose between different dice, including four-, six-, eight-, ten-, twelve-, and twenty-sided options. I use it for board games or when I need to generate a random number.
Another option is Google’s spinner. Searching for spinner brings up a virtual spinning wheel with numbered sections.
You can adjust the number of sections before spinning it, making it useful for randomly choosing an activity or picking an option. There’s also a fidget spinner mode.
I use it for creative projects and music practice
Google Search has a few other handy tools that are worth knowing about. For instance, the color picker is useful when I’m working on a design or presentation and need to identify an exact shade.
I search for color picker and use the interactive panel to select a color or enter a color code. Google displays its HEX, RGB, HSL, HSV, and CMYK values, making it easier to reuse the same shade across different projects.
There’s also a built-in metronome that can come in handy when practicing music. Search for metronome and adjust the beats per minute (BPM) to set the tempo. After pressing play, it produces a steady beat you can follow while practicing an instrument.
I still rely on dedicated apps for plenty of things, but I don’t need one for every small task. Google Search has several useful tools that can handle everyday jobs without making me download anything or switch between apps.
When I need a quick calculation, timer, or virtual dice roll, I now open Google Search.
