Almost instantly after clicking Google's search button, you're hit with a vast sea of knowledge that one cannot even come close to finding at the biggest of libraries. That's why, whether you are researching a school project, hobby, movie review, celebrity gossip or the news, Google is the way to go.

But, at times, being overwhelmed with pages and pages of results can be both frustrating and time consuming. That's why we've compiled 5 tips and tricks that will make your next Google search quicker, more enjoyable and, most importantly, more detailed towards your needs.

1. Use a Hyphen (-) to Narrow Down Your Information

 A hyphen (-) will exclude specified words from your search results. This search feature is especially useful when your key word/phrase refers  to multiple items.

Example: You are asked to do a research project about jaguars, the animal, not the car or football team. Instead of getting results from everything related to jaguars, you can refine your search by using a hyphen. Your search should then look like this: Jaguars -cars -football

Try it yourself: a search on jaguars alone brings you 270,000,000 hits, whereas a search on Jaguars -cars -football takes you down to 142,000,000 hits! By simply placing a hyphen you narrow your regular search by more than half.  Now isn't that a Google trick that's detailed to your needs?

*Note: make sure you type a space before the hyphen, but not after.

2. Use a Tilde (~) to Search Words with Similar Meanings

Placing a tilde (~) in front of a keyword instructs Google to include the specified word as well as its synonyms in the search results. You'll find this search function handy if you're searching for an item that can be described in multiple words.

Example:  You love soccer and want to improve on your soccer skills, so you decide to run a Google search about soccer skills. In this case, the word "skills" can refer to techniques, drills and training; by including the tilde (~), Google will incorporate all words synonymous with skills in your search result.

Try it yourself: a search on soccer skills alone brings you just under 8, 900, 000 results, whereas a search using the tilde (~) brings you over 14,000,000 and includes terms such as training and technique. By simply placing a tilde before a word you get more of what you're looking for!

3. Use Quotations ("") for Exact Phrases

You can search a specific phrase by placing quotation marks around it. Google treats quotation marks very much like how journalists treat them: the content within quotations cannot be altered. When it comes to Google searches, this guarantees that an exact search phrase will appear in every result.

Example:  You want to do a search on how to juggle, but don't want to sort through many articles, stories and other findings about juggling in general. By placing quotation marks around your search "how to juggle," you're instructing Google to  show only those results that include that exact phrase.

Try it yourself:  Without quotation marks a search on how to make a paper airplane gives you  5,300,000 results; one with quotations gives you just over 4,000,000 results that you know are tailored to exactly what you want.

4. Perform Calculations and Conversions Directly from Google's Search Field

To figure out a mathematical equation or conversion, all you have to do is enter your equation in the search field, click search and the answer will show at the top of your results page.

Example: A gaming system that you've always wanted costs $250 but is now 25% off.  If you type in 250  x .25 in the search bar and click search, you'll find the answer at the top of your results page.

Try it yourself: Do you need to find out how many cups are in one litre or how much 10dollars amount to in Euros?  Simply type in cups in a litre or 10 dollars in Euros and you'll get your results. Now that's easy math!

5. Find the File Types You're Looking For!

You can tailor your Google search so that it shows results only in the file formats you want. Just type in what you're looking for followed by filetype:desired file extension and your good to go!

Example: You've had a Canon camera for two years now, but have misplaced the manual. You know that Canon manuals are usually in PDF format and therefore you want only PDF files in your Google search results. Simply type in Canon Manual filetype:pdf and this search feature will find all the PDFS that have to do with operating your camera. Note: For excel use filetype:xls, for powerpoint, filetype:ppt and word filetype:doc