Google Search Cheat Sheet
Operator Description Example
Informational Search Queries
define Returns a definition of the given term. define gregarious
time Returns the current time at a particular location. time stockholm
to Convert measurements from one unit to another. 1 cup to tbsp
in Convert measurements from one unit to another. 1000USD in GBP
translate hello world
translate Translates the queried terms into another specified language. german
map Returns map result. map new york
stocks Returns stock information. stocks sbux
weather Returns weather forecast for the given location or ZIP code. weather 90210
Basic Search Symbols
- Excludes search results that include this term. best tablets -drawing
Returns search results that match terms on either side of the
| computer | tablet
pipe. The same as writing "OR" between search terms.
@ Returns search results that match a particular social media site. phone recall
@twitter
# Returns search results that include a specific hashtag. #throwbackthursday
Returns search results that include all terms within quotes in the “never gonna give
“”
exact given order. you up”
Returns search results where any words can be matched in
* best * in america
place of the asterisk.
When placed between two numbers, returns search results chromebook
..
that match within the number range. $200..$500
() Used to group search terms and control the search logic (best | worst) office
of the query. suite
$ Returns prices. mac $1000
Popular Search Operators
cache: Show Google's cached version of a specific cache:makeuseof.co
page. m
filetype: Returns only search results that match a sleep study
particular file extension. filetype:pdf
related: Returns other websites that are similar to the related:nytimes.com
queried website.
site: Returns only search results from a particular productivity tips
website. site:makeuseof.com
Other Search Operators
inanchor: Returns pages that are linked to using anchor text matching the
search query.
allinanchor: Same as inanchor, but matching every term that appears after
allinanchor.
intext: Returns only search results that match in the page's body.
allintext: Same as intext, but matching every term that appears after allintext.
intitle: Returns only search results that match in the page's title.
allintitle: Same as intitle, but matching every term that appears after allintitle.
inurl: Returns only search results that match in the page's URL.
allinurl: Same as inurl, but matching every term that appears after allinurl.
The most useful shortcuts are site:, filetype:, and to, but all of these operators and commands are good to know.
More Google Search Resources to Discover
In addition to searching Google, you should also get acquainted with these advanced search operators for
Gmail. And did you know that there are some cool games hidden in Google Search? Once you’re familiar with
all these advanced tools, you can put them to good use. For example, advanced Google Search comes in handy
when you’re trying to find a book without knowing the title or author!
We’ll wrap up with a word of caution: don’t trust all types of Google Search results blindly.