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

![Spotlight Does Math: Currencies, Units & Calculations – Right in Search](/api/v1/images/cc4b5e81-bacd-4fe7-8441-db1a2364af87)

## 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.