The Chrome address bar, known as the omnibox, does far more than open web addresses. You can search your open tabs, bookmarks and history with @tabs, @bookmarks and @history, search a single site with a shortcut, and get quick answers to sums and unit conversions. This guide shows each trick, checked against Google’s Chrome help.
How to Use Chrome Address Bar for Quick Calculations
With Google as your search engine, the address bar can show the answer to a simple sum as a suggestion. Type your math problem, like “45*12” or “sqrt(144)”, and the answer may appear below the bar before you press Enter. If it doesn’t, press Enter to see the answer on the search results page.
- Open Chrome on your device.
- Click on the address bar or press Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + L (Mac).
- Type your calculation directly into the address bar.
- Look for the result as a suggestion below the bar, or press Enter.
How to Perform Unit Conversions in Chrome Address Bar
Unit conversions work the same way. Type the conversion query, such as “10 km to miles,” and look for the converted value in the suggestions.
- Click on the address bar or press Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + L (Mac).
- Enter the unit conversion, like “5 kg to lbs.”
- Review the conversion result shown as a suggestion, or press Enter.
How to Conduct Direct Site Searches Using the Address Bar
Chrome keeps a list of site search shortcuts. Type a site’s shortcut, and you can search that site straight from the address bar without opening its search box first. Sites you have searched on before often appear in the list automatically.
- In the address bar, type the site’s shortcut, for example “wikipedia.org”.
- When Chrome offers to search that site, press Tab.
- Type your search term and press Enter.
- Chrome opens the site’s search results page.
chrome://settings/searchEngines into the address bar. Next to “Site search,” select Add and enter a name, a shortcut and the search URL with %s where the query goes (Google’s site search shortcuts help).How to Search Open Tabs Using Chrome Address Bar
Search your open tabs from the address bar to switch to the one you want without cycling through them all.
- Click on the address bar or press Ctrl + L (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + L (Mac).
- Type @tabs, then press Tab or Space.
- Enter keywords for the tab you want and select it from the list.
The same works for @bookmarks and @history.
Comparison of Chrome Address Bar Features
| Feature | Description | Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Calculations | Perform math operations directly in the address bar. | Type equation directly |
| Unit Conversions | Convert units like length, weight, and temperature. | Type conversion query |
| Site Search | Search within a site using a site search shortcut. | Type the shortcut, press Tab |
| Tab Search | Find open tabs using “@” shortcuts. | Type “@tabs” |
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I enable advanced features in Chrome?
Paste chrome://flags into the address bar to try experimental features. Be cautious, as these can affect browser stability.
What should I do if the address bar isn’t working?
Try restarting Chrome, clearing cache, or disabling extensions that might interfere. Make sure Chrome is updated.
Can I customize search engines for the address bar?
Yes, go to Settings > Search engine > Manage search engines and site search to add or modify search engines.
How do I reset Chrome settings if needed?
Go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their original defaults, then select Reset settings.
Is it possible to search bookmarks directly from the address bar?
Yes, type @bookmarks, press Tab or Space, and enter the bookmark name.