Superscript and subscript are character formats that shrink and raise or lower text

Superscript raises text above the baseline — used for footnote markers, exponents (like 2³), and trademark symbols. Subscript lowers text below the baseline — used for chemical formulas (like H₂O) and mathematical notation. Both are built into Microsoft Word and take seconds to apply once you know where to find them.

Word offers three ways to add these formats: keyboard shortcuts (fastest), the Format menu (most reliable), and the ribbon button (visible but slower). The method you choose depends on whether you type frequently with these formats or use them occasionally.

Key Takeaways

  • Superscript uses Ctrl+Shift+Plus on Windows or Command+Shift+Plus on Mac; subscript uses Ctrl+Equal on Windows or Command+Equal on Mac.
  • You can apply these formats before you type or after you select existing text — either way works the same.
  • The Format menu path is Format > Text > Superscript (or Subscript), which works identically on Windows and Mac.
  • Once you apply superscript or subscript, you must turn it off manually or select new text to return to normal formatting.

Using keyboard shortcuts on Windows

The fastest method on a Windows computer is the keyboard shortcut. For superscript, hold Ctrl and Shift together, then press the Plus key (the one on the number row, not the numeric keypad). For subscript, hold Ctrl and press the Equal key.

You can type the shortcut before you type the character you want formatted, or you can select text that already exists and then press the shortcut. If you type the shortcut first, everything you type after it will be superscript or subscript until you press the same shortcut again to turn it off. If you select text first, the format applies to only that selection.

Example: To write H₂O, type "H", press Ctrl+Equal, type "2", press Ctrl+Equal again to turn off subscript, then type "O".

Using keyboard shortcuts on Mac

On a Mac, superscript is Command+Shift+Plus (the Plus key on the number row). Subscript is Command+Equal. The behavior is identical to Windows — you can activate the format before typing or apply it to selected text.

If your Mac keyboard does not have a dedicated Plus key, use Shift+Equal to type the Plus symbol, then add Command+Shift to that combination. The Equal key for subscript is straightforward: Command+Equal.

Using the Format menu

If you prefer not to memorize shortcuts, the Format menu works on both Windows and Mac. Select the text you want to format, then click Format in the menu bar. In the dropdown, click Text, and you will see Superscript and Subscript as options. Click the one you need.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but is reliable if you forget which keys to press. It also works the same way on every version of Word, so if you move between computers, you will not have to relearn the steps.

Turning off superscript and subscript

Once you apply superscript or subscript, the formatting stays active until you turn it off. If you typed the shortcut to activate it, press the same shortcut again to deactivate it. If you used the Format menu, select Format > Text > Superscript (or Subscript) again to toggle it off.

A common mistake is typing multiple characters while superscript or subscript is still on. If you type "E=mc²" and forget to turn off superscript after the 2, the next character you type will also be superscript. Simply press the shortcut or menu option again to return to normal text.

Applying formatting to text you already wrote

You do not have to plan ahead. If you wrote text and then realized part of it should be superscript or subscript, select that text and apply the format. Click and drag to highlight the characters you want to change, then use the keyboard shortcut or Format menu.

Be precise with your selection — select only the character or characters that should be raised or lowered. If you select extra spaces or punctuation, they will be formatted too, which usually looks wrong.

Common uses and examples

Scientific and mathematical writing uses these formats constantly. Chemical formulas like H₂SO₄ need subscript numbers. Exponents like 10⁵ or x² need superscript. Footnote markers¹ are superscript. Trademark and copyright symbols (™, ©) are sometimes formatted as superscript, though Word has dedicated symbols for these.

In academic writing, superscript numbers link to footnotes at the bottom of the page or endnotes at the end of the document. Word can insert these automatically through the Insert menu, which handles the numbering and formatting for you — you do not have to type superscript manually for footnotes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make superscript or subscript permanent for a specific style?

Yes. Open the Styles pane (Ctrl+Alt+Shift+S on Windows, Command+Option+Shift+S on Mac), right-click the style you want to modify, and click Modify. In the dialog, click Format, then Font, then check Superscript or Subscript. Click OK. Every time you apply that style, the formatting will be included.

What if the keyboard shortcut does not work?

Check that you are using the correct keys — Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript and Ctrl+Equal for subscript on Windows. On Mac, use Command+Shift+Plus and Command+Equal. If it still does not work, use the Format menu instead. Some keyboard layouts or accessibility settings can interfere with shortcuts.

Does superscript or subscript change the font size?

Yes, Word automatically shrinks the text when you apply either format. The size reduction is built in and cannot be changed through the superscript or subscript button alone. If you need different sizing, you can manually adjust the font size after applying the format through the font size dropdown.

Can I copy superscript or subscript formatting to other text?

Yes, use the Format Painter. Select text that has the formatting you want, click Format Painter (the brush icon on the toolbar), then click and drag across the text you want to apply it to. This copies all formatting, including superscript or subscript.