Subscript lets you place text slightly below the baseline, which is useful for chemical formulas, footnote references, and mathematical notation

In Microsoft Word, subscript is a formatting option that shrinks text and positions it below the line of regular text. The most direct way to apply it is to select the text you want to format, then use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+= (equal sign) on Windows or Cmd+= on Mac. Word will immediately drop the selected text below the baseline and reduce its size.

If the keyboard shortcut does not work or you prefer using the menu, you can access subscript through the Home tab. Select your text, then click the small arrow next to the font formatting options in the ribbon. Choose "Font" from the dropdown, navigate to the Effects tab, and check the Subscript box. Click OK to apply the formatting.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to add subscript in Word is to select text and press Ctrl+= on Windows or Cmd+= on Mac.
  • You can also reach subscript through Home > Font dialog > Effects tab > Subscript checkbox if the keyboard shortcut does not work.
  • Subscript text shrinks automatically and positions itself below the baseline of regular text.
  • To remove subscript formatting, select the text and press the same keyboard shortcut again, or uncheck the Subscript box in the Font dialog.
  • Superscript (text above the line) uses Ctrl+Shift+= and follows the same menu path if you need that instead.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Windows

The quickest method works on any Windows computer running Word. First, highlight or select the specific characters or numbers you want to make subscript. Then hold down Ctrl and press the equal sign (=) key once. Word applies the subscript formatting immediately without opening any dialog boxes.

If you need to remove subscript formatting from text, select that text again and press Ctrl+= a second time. The formatting toggles off, and the text returns to normal size and position. This same toggle behavior means you do not need to remember a separate command to undo subscript.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Mac

Mac users follow nearly the same process, but the modifier key is different. Select the text you want to format, then hold Cmd and press the equal sign (=). Word applies subscript formatting just as it does on Windows.

To turn off subscript on Mac, select the text again and press Cmd+= once more. The formatting removes itself, and your text returns to the baseline. Some older Mac keyboards may require you to hold Shift while pressing = to type the equal sign, so if the shortcut does not work, try Cmd+Shift+=.

Accessing subscript through the Font dialog

If the keyboard shortcut does not respond or you prefer using menus, the Font dialog offers a reliable alternative. Select the text you want to format, then go to the Home tab in the ribbon at the top of Word. Look for the small arrow icon in the lower right corner of the Font group (it appears next to the font name and size options). Click that arrow to open the Font dialog box.

In the dialog, click the Effects tab at the top. You will see a Subscript checkbox in the list of options. Check that box, then click OK. Word applies the subscript formatting and closes the dialog. This method works identically on Windows and Mac versions of Word.

Common uses for subscript in documents

Subscript appears most often in scientific and mathematical writing. Chemical formulas like H₂O or CO₂ require subscript numbers to show the quantity of each atom. In mathematics, subscript denotes sequences or indexed variables, such as x₁, x₂, and x₃. Footnote and endnote references sometimes use subscript numbers, though Word typically handles those automatically.

In formal writing, subscript can also appear in trademark or copyright notation, though this is less common in modern documents. If you work in chemistry, biology, physics, or mathematics, you will likely use subscript regularly. Even in business or technical writing, chemical names or product codes may require it.

Superscript as the opposite formatting

Word also offers superscript, which does the opposite of subscript—it raises text above the baseline instead of lowering it below. Superscript is used for exponents (like 2³ or x²), trademark symbols, and footnote references. The keyboard shortcut for superscript is Ctrl+Shift+= on Windows or Cmd+Shift+= on Mac.

You can access superscript through the same Font dialog by checking the Superscript box instead of Subscript. Many documents use both subscript and superscript, so knowing both shortcuts saves time. If you accidentally apply the wrong one, simply select the text and press the other shortcut to switch it.

Troubleshooting when subscript does not work

If the keyboard shortcut does not apply subscript, the most common cause is that you forgot to select text first. Word cannot format text that is not highlighted. Click and drag to select the characters you want to change, then try the shortcut again.

Another possibility is that your keyboard layout or language settings are interfering with the equal sign key. Try using the Font dialog method instead, which does not depend on keyboard shortcuts. If subscript still does not appear, restart Word or check that your version is up to date. Very old versions of Word may have different shortcuts or menu locations, so updating often resolves the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make multiple separate words subscript without selecting them all at once?

Yes. Select the first word or character, apply subscript, then click elsewhere in your document. Select the next word you want to format and apply subscript again. Word remembers the formatting choice, so you can repeat this as many times as needed without reopening any dialogs.

Does subscript formatting stay if I copy and paste the text into another program?

It depends on the program. Pasting into another Word document or into rich-text editors like Google Docs usually preserves subscript. Pasting into plain-text editors or email programs may lose the formatting. If the formatting does not carry over, you will need to reapply subscript in the new location.

What if I want to change the size of subscript text?

Word automatically reduces subscript text to a smaller size, but you can adjust it further. Select the subscript text, then change the font size in the Home tab as you normally would. The text remains subscript while you resize it, giving you full control over how it appears.

Can I make subscript text bold or italic?

Yes. Select the subscript text and apply bold (Ctrl+B) or italic (Ctrl+I) just as you would with regular text. Subscript and other formatting options work together, so you can have bold subscript, italic subscript, or both at the same time.