Did you know that the lowly, everyday, bump-on-the log Calculator application built into OS X actually has some nifty features beyond doing math?
I’m referring to the plain grey calculator found in the Applications folder of every version of OS X since 2002. First, did you know that Calculator keeps as a record of recent calculations that you can review and print? To see this record after performing calculations, click *Window > Paper Tape.*
To print the paper tape, hold down the Command key (to the right or left of the space bar) and the P key at the same time, or else navigate to *File > Print Tape.* Note the Paper Tape has to be visible before you can do this. You can also save your paper tapes by selecting *File > Save Tape.*
You can reveal scientific calculator features in Calculator by launching the Calculator app (again, stored in your Applications folder), and then clicking *View > Scientific* in the menu bar at the top of the screen. Later versions of Calculator also have a Programmer feature hidden here.
OK, a scientific calculator is a little boring. So here’s something fun: with the Calculator app launched and active, navigate to the menu bar and click “Speak button pushed” or “Speak result.” Unless you’re visually impaired, having a speaking calculator might seem like a gimmick. But I actually use this feature when I’m trying to move through a pile of calculations as quickly as possible. Try it–if you’re a verbally-oriented person, you might be surprised at how hearing a number instead of reading it helps your efficiency.
Finally, the Calculator app also has very useful conversions functions built in. These include *Area, Currency (from data pulled from the Internet), Energy or Work, Temperature, Length, Speed, Pressure, Weight/Mass, Power and Volume.*
So don’t disregard this math nerd just because it seems boring. Take it out and see what it can do! If nothing else, it can help convert from miles to kilometers.
