The fastest way: keyboard shortcuts

Microsoft Word has built-in keyboard shortcuts for subscripts and superscripts. For superscript (text that sits above the line, like an exponent), press Ctrl + Shift + Plus on Windows or Cmd + Shift + Plus on Mac. For subscript (text that sits below the line, like a chemical formula), press Ctrl + Equal on Windows or Cmd + Equal on Mac.

To use these shortcuts, type the text you want to format, then select only that text with your mouse or keyboard. While the text is selected, press the shortcut. The text will immediately shift to superscript or subscript position. Press the same shortcut again to turn the formatting off and return to normal text.

These shortcuts work in Word on Windows, Mac, and the web version. They are the fastest method if you format subscripts or superscripts regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Ctrl + Shift + Plus (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + Plus (Mac) formats selected text as superscript.
  • Ctrl + Equal (Windows) or Cmd + Equal (Mac) formats selected text as subscript.
  • The Home tab in the ribbon contains superscript and subscript buttons if you prefer clicking over keyboard shortcuts.
  • You can format text before you type it by turning on superscript or subscript mode, then typing, then turning it off.
  • Both methods work the same way in Word for Windows, Mac, and the web version.

Using the ribbon buttons in Word

If you prefer not to memorize keyboard shortcuts, you can use the formatting buttons in the ribbon. Open Word and look at the Home tab. In the Font group (the section with Bold, Italic, and Underline), you will see two small buttons: one labeled with an "x" and a small raised number, and one with an "x" and a small lowered number.

Select the text you want to format, then click the superscript button (raised number) or subscript button (lowered number). The text will format immediately. Click the button again to remove the formatting.

On Mac, the buttons are in the same location on the Home tab. On the web version of Word, click the arrow next to the font size dropdown to reveal additional formatting options, then look for the superscript and subscript buttons.

Formatting text before you type it

You do not have to select text after typing it. You can turn on superscript or subscript mode before you type, then turn it off when you are done. This method is useful when you are entering a long string of superscript or subscript text.

Click where you want the superscript or subscript to begin. Press Ctrl + Shift + Plus (superscript) or Ctrl + Equal (subscript). Type the text. Press the same shortcut again to turn off the formatting. Normal text will resume at your cursor position.

This approach prevents you from having to select text after the fact, which can be faster if you are working with multiple subscripts or superscripts in a row.

Common uses for subscripts and superscripts

Superscripts are most often used for exponents in math (23 = 8), footnote or endnote markers, and trademark or copyright symbols. Subscripts appear in chemical formulas (H2O), mathematical notation, and some scientific measurements.

In academic writing, superscript numbers often mark citations. In business documents, superscript may indicate registered trademarks. If you work with chemistry, biology, or physics, subscripts in formulas are essential for clarity and correctness.

Undoing superscript or subscript formatting

If you format text as superscript or subscript by mistake, select the text and press the same keyboard shortcut again. The formatting will toggle off and the text will return to normal size and position.

You can also use Ctrl + Z (Windows) or Cmd + Z (Mac) to undo the last formatting change. If you have already moved on to other work, select the incorrectly formatted text and click the superscript or subscript button in the ribbon to remove the formatting.

Subscripts and superscripts in different Word versions

The keyboard shortcuts and ribbon buttons work the same way in Word 2019, Word 2021, Microsoft 365, and the web version of Word. The location of the buttons in the ribbon is consistent across all versions.

If you are using an older version of Word (2010 or earlier), the ribbon layout may differ slightly, but the keyboard shortcuts remain the same. The Format menu in older versions also contains a Character option where you can select superscript or subscript from a dialog box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make superscripts or subscripts in Word on my phone or tablet?

Word for mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android) has limited formatting options. The keyboard shortcuts do not work on mobile. You may be able to access superscript and subscript through the formatting menu, but the easiest approach is to format the text on a computer version of Word and then view or edit it on your phone.

What if the keyboard shortcut does not work?

Check that you have selected the text before pressing the shortcut. If the text is not highlighted, the shortcut will not apply formatting. Also verify that you are using the correct key combination for your operating system (Windows uses Ctrl, Mac uses Cmd). If shortcuts still do not work, use the ribbon buttons instead.

Does superscript or subscript formatting change the font size?

Word automatically reduces the font size when you apply superscript or subscript formatting. The text becomes smaller and shifts position. You cannot manually adjust the size of superscript or subscript text through the font size dropdown — the formatting controls both position and size together.

Can I copy and paste superscript or subscript text?

Yes. When you copy text that is formatted as superscript or subscript, the formatting travels with it. Paste it anywhere in your document and the formatting will remain. This works across different documents and even in some other programs, though some applications may not preserve the formatting.