How to Do Math Calculations in Spotlight for Mac

This updated guide examines How to Do Math Calculations in Spotlight for Mac and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 3:

Basic calculations

1. Open Spotlight in the menu bar. Click the magnifying glass icon in the menu bar, or press keys?Cmd+Space.
2. Type in the equation you want an answer to. You can use numbers and basic math symbols including addition+, subtraction-, multiplication*, and division/. For example, you could use: 12*5, 154/4, 1533+55, or 120-545.
3. Review the answer. The answer should update as you type, in the Spotlight area.

Method 2of 3:

Advanced calculations

1. Do advanced calculations following the order of operations. Spotlight will behave like a regular calculator in how it tackles any equation you give it. For example, you could use: 12+154*5-20/6, or 1000/365.
2. Press the?Returnkey to open the full calculator (your Mac's built-in calculator).

Method 3of 3:

Spotlight calculations in full-screen apps

1. In a full screen app, hover over the menu bar, and click the magnifying glass icon.
   • Alternatively, you can press keys:?Cmd+Spaceand start calculating without anything getting in your way.