Analyst Toolbox

The Untapped Features of Google

Product: Google (http://www.google.com)

Many of us use Google as our search engine, but few know about the following features, all accessible from the regular search box:

- Reverse-Phone Directory: type in a phone number to find out it’s owner.

- Calculator: enter a calculation (e.g., “50*120/5” to find out the answer.) You can also use the calculator for conversions. For instance, type in “kilometers in 6 miles” or “cups in 4 gallons” to find the answers.

- Mapping: type in an address and city (e.g., “120 Ash St, Danvers, MA”) to get a Yahoo or MapQuest map of the address.

- VINs: Paste a VIN number into Google and it will return a link to CarFax.com. Click the link and you'll quickly get the year, make and model of the vehicle belonging to the VIN you entered.

Author: Christopher Bruce & Jim Mallard
Updated 3/6/2005

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