Google Search is something most of us use almost every day, but many people only use it in the simplest way: type a question and press Enter.
However, Google has several useful search tricks that can help you find information faster, more accurately, and with less effort.
Here are 10 tricks worth knowing.
1. Use Quotation Marks for Exact Phrases
If you want Google to search for an exact phrase, put it inside quotation marks.
For example:
“best smartphones under $500”
Instead of searching for each word separately, Google will prioritize pages containing that exact phrase.
2. Use a Minus Sign to Remove Words
Sometimes your search results contain information you don’t want.
You can use a minus sign to exclude a word.
For example:
jaguar -car
This can help you find information about the animal rather than the automobile brand.
3. Search a Specific Website
If you want results from a particular website, use site: followed by the website address.
For example:
site.com Formula 1 highlights
Google will focus the results on YouTube.
This is especially useful when you’re looking for information from a trusted website.
4. Search for a Specific File Type
Looking for a PDF, presentation, or another particular type of document?
Use filetype:.
For example:
Python programming filetype
Google will prioritize PDF documents related to your search.
5. Use Two Dots for a Number Range
If you’re searching within a particular price or number range, use two periods between the numbers.
For example:
best phones $300..$500
This tells Google that you’re interested in results within that range.
6. Search Using “OR”
When you’re interested in more than one possibility, use OR between your search terms.
For example:
iPhone OR Samsung camera comparison
Google can return results related to either search term.
7. Search for a Word in a Website’s Title
You can use intitle: to find pages with a particular word in their title.
For example:
intitle:“Formula 1” 2026
This can be useful when you’re specifically looking for articles whose titles mention Formula 1.
8. Search Within a Website’s Text
The intext: operator can help you find pages containing a particular word or phrase in their text.
For example:
intext:“Italian Grand Prix” Monza
This can make it easier to locate pages discussing a specific topic.
9. Use Google to Do Quick Calculations
You don’t always need to open a calculator app.
Simply type a calculation into Google.
For example:
250 × 0.15
Google will immediately provide the result.
You can also use it for more complicated calculations and conversions.
10. Search for Related Websites
If you discover a website you like and want to find similar sites, try using:
For example:
Google may show websites that it considers similar to the one you searched for.
Google Search is much more powerful than simply typing a question into the search box.
Learning a few simple operators—such as quotation marks, site:, filetype:, and the minus sign—can make your searches much more precise and save you plenty of time.
The next time you’re searching for something online, try one of these tricks. You might be surprised by how much easier finding the right information becomes.