Spotlight Does Math: Currencies, Units & Calculations – Right in Search

How to do it

1. Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight.
2. Type what you want to calculate – e.g., 45 EUR to CHF, 250ml in cups, or sqrt(144).
3. The result appears instantly below the search field.
4. For percentages: 15% of 200 or 200 * 0.15.
5. For time zones: type 2:00 PM PST to CET.

What Spotlight can handle

• Currencies: 100 USD to EUR, 50 GBP to CHF
• Units: 5 km to miles, 250g to oz, 72°F to °C
• Math: 2^8, sin(45), sqrt(81), pi * 5^2
• Time zones: 2:00 PM PST to CET

Why this helps

Spotlight has a built-in calculation and conversion engine. No need for the Calculator app or Google – just Cmd + Space, type, done. Exchange rates are pulled live from the internet.

Good to know

• Currency rates require an internet connection.
• For complex formulas, use Terminal with bc or the Calculator app.
• Spotlight doesn't save your calculations – copy the result (Cmd + C) before closing.