1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Macs

Use Calculator to Convert
The Answer is a Menu Away

By Tom Nelson, About.com

Calculator, that often overlooked application included with OS X, can do much more than simple arithmetic. You can use Calculator to convert all manner of things, from the number of quarts of soil in a cubic foot, to what the U.S. dollar is worth against the Euro (you don't want to know).

Launch Calculator

  1. Launch Calculator, located at /Applications.

  2. Enter the number of units you want to convert, such as 1, for one US dollar.

  3. Select the type of conversion you want to perform from the Convert menu. For this example, select 'Currency.'

  4. In the From dropdown menu, select 'U.S. dollar.'

  5. In the To dropdown menu, select 'Euro.'

  6. Click the 'OK' button.

The answer will appear in Calculator's display. (I told you, you didn’t want to know.)

In addition to currency, Calculator can also perform the following types of conversions:

  • Area
  • Energy or Work
  • Length
  • Power
  • Pressure
  • Speed
  • Temperature
  • Time
  • Volume
  • Weights and Masses
Explore Macs
About.com Special Features

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

Easy ways to connect two computers for networking purposes. More >

  1. Home
  2. Computing & Technology
  3. Macs
  4. Using Your Mac
  5. Tips & Tricks
  6. Use Calculator to Convert>

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.