OK, this is a wacky one, but I've used it a number of times since finding out about it. Not sure if it works in 10.3.9 or below, but it definitely works in Tiger.

Go to anything or any app that you can type into. For example, the Google search box at the top of your browser window. Type in a mathematical formula such as 2+2 or 156*1.06 and then highlight the formula you just typed. Now press Command-Shift-8 and your formula will be replaced by the answer/results.

Why? It seems to be a built-in AppleScript because the Script Editor launches (which you can quit after you get your results). It's also way faster than bringing up the calculator for something quick and simple.

That is a handy little tip.

Thank you Terry

For the record, re OS X.3.9
Tried AppleWorks, TextEdit 1.3, InD.CS2 text box, Text Wrangler 2.1.1 - none of which worked. Must be a X.4 item.

Doesn't work for me either, and I'm on 10.4.7.

Although if you're in Google, you don't need to press Command-Shift-8 to get a result. Google will display an answer for any formula you enter into the search field and hit return.

Doesn't work here in 10.4.7 either. Does work as Paul said in Google, no selection necessary, just hit return.

OSX.3.9:
Yes, it does work in Google. I tried it in the Safari 1.3.2 google search box. The answer appeared, and the AppleScript Editor opened up too, but with nothing in it.

Kinda reminds me of those "Easter eggs" in early OS9 software, except this one is functional. How much more stuff is hiding?

Tried it in Safri on Both my G4 Power Book and on my G4 Tower. Nothing.

I just tried it (the original tip) in Text Edit 4+4, highlighted it, hit Command-Shift-8 and got 8. Not sure why it's not working for everyone? Maybe it installed with some app I have.

Check Keyboard Shortcuts in Preferences. When I first saw that shortcut a month or so ago, it didn't work for me either. I checked the Keyboard Shortcuts and Shift-Command-8 had been assigned to something else.

quote:

Originally posted by Terry White:

Go to anything or any app that you can type into. For example, the Google search box at the top of your browser window. Type in a mathematical formula such as 2+2 or 156*1.06 and then highlight the formula you just typed. Now press Command-Shift-8 and your formula will be replaced by the answer/results.

Google acts as a calculator without Terry's trick, it has been that way for years. I found that out by readings Pogue's Missing manual for Google.

Also check out other Google stuff here:

google labs...

Also Terry's tip no workie for me either...

Thought it may be a Growl mini app or maybe a Automator function...

Worked for me (10.4.7) in TextEdit, TextWrangler 2.1.3, Safari (even inside this Post A Reply text entry box), Camino, iTunes and Address Book search field. Mail app address fields but not message text entry field. Did not work in AppleWorks 6.2.9, Word2004, Firefox, others. Could it be a "Cocoa" thing?

Check Services > Script Editor.

Works for me just about everywhere except in MS Office and others already mentioned. I am running Tiger.

At least it worked when I remembered to highlight the equation.

For those it's not's working for:

1) Make sure you don't have the keystrokes assigned elsewhere, as Phyl mentioned

2) make sure you SELECT all the text in the formula before hitting shift-command-8.

It's working for me OK.

quote:

For those it's not's working for:

1) Make sure you don't have the keystrokes assigned elsewhere, as Phyl mentioned

2) make sure you SELECT all the text in the formula before hitting shift-command-8.

Done and done... still doesn't work on either computer. If I try it in TextEdit, the TextEdit menu highlights but nothing happens.

Can't use Terry's "wacky one"-#8 is occupied.
But I find Art's suggestion very easy and quick, and gives answers to complex formuli. Check it out—just type a problem into Google and hit return. While you are on that page, check out the features of Google calculator as well as the other goodies on that page.