1. Track your packages

Keeping track of your packages used to mean logging into the USPS, UPS or FedEx site. But did you know Google can track almost any package for you?

Just enter the package tracking number directly into the search box. Google will pull up quick links that let you easily track the status of your shipment.

2. Check your flight status

A delayed flight can throw off your whole day, whether you’re the one traveling or just picking someone up at the airport. Fortunately, you don’t have to track down the flight number on the airline’s website.

Simply type your airline name and flight number into Google. You’ll instantly see the flight’s arrival and departure status, and Google even shows you terminal and gate number information.

3. Get a quick translation

To translate a word with Google, just type in “translate (word) to (language)” in the search bar. For instance, you could type “translate apple to French.”

Google will then return normal search results along with one special addition. At the top of the page above the results, there will be a simple white box with your original word and translation inside.

Google will let you know it less than a second that “pomme” is French for apple. It also has a small speaker icon that will let you hear the word if you aren’t sure how to pronounce it.

4. Unit conversions

You’re online scoping out specs on that new tablet, but the weight is in grams and the dimensions are in millimeters. Do you know how to convert those to the more easy-to-grasp pounds and inches?

Don’t worry about it. Just go to Google Search and type, “300 grams in lbs” or “220 mm in in.” In the blink of an eye your search will come back with a nice conversion calculator at the top of the page with your answer already plugged in.

If you have another question, you don’t have to search again. You can edit the numbers and units of measurement right in the calculator to find out a new conversion.

This works for just about anything – distance, speed, length, temperature, currency, fluids, you name it. I use this feature quite a bit while cooking or researching new technology online.

5. Definitions

Finding definitions for words you don’t know is now easier than ever thanks to Google. Google even goes above and beyond to provide you everything you could ever need to know about a word.

To find a definition, just type “define (word)” into the Google search bar, such as “define tintinnabulation” – it’s “a ringing or tinkling sound” if you were wondering.  The search will return with a standard dictionary entry at the top of the page that includes pronunciation, parts of speech, and every possible definition.

If you click the gray arrow at the bottom of the box, you get access to even more information about the word. You can find out where and when it originated and how often it has been used over time. You even have the option to translate it into another language.

You used to have to buy a subscription to expensive services like the Oxford English Dictionary to find information like that. Now, it’s right at your fingertips.

6. For a Laugh

Go to Google and type in Do a Barrel Roll and watch what happens.