The quickest way to add subscript in Word

To type subscript in Microsoft Word, select the text or number you want to make smaller and raised, then press Ctrl + = (on Windows) or Cmd + = (on Mac). The selected characters will shrink and move down slightly below the baseline of regular text. Press the same keys again to turn subscript off and return to normal formatting.

This keyboard shortcut works in Word on desktop, in Word Online, and in most other Microsoft Office applications. It is faster than using the menu and works the same way whether you are typing a chemical formula, a mathematical equation, or a footnote reference.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users press Ctrl + = to toggle subscript on and off; Mac users press Cmd + =.
  • You must select the text first, then apply the shortcut — you cannot type subscript by pressing the keys before you type.
  • The same shortcut works in Word Online, Excel, PowerPoint, and most other Office programs.
  • If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the equals sign on the main keyboard, not the numpad.

When to use subscript instead of the menu

The keyboard shortcut is faster than opening the Format menu and clicking Character or Font, which is why most people who type subscript regularly use it. If you forget the shortcut, you can still reach subscript through the menu: go to Format > Character (or Font), then check the Subscript box under Effects.

Some people find the keyboard shortcut easier to remember if they think of it as "Ctrl + Shift + =" on Windows, because you are holding Shift to type the equals sign. However, the actual command is Ctrl + = without Shift — the Shift is only needed to type the = character itself.

Why subscript and superscript are different shortcuts

Subscript (text below the line) and superscript (text above the line) have separate shortcuts because they serve different purposes. Subscript is used for chemical formulas like H₂O, mathematical subscripts, and some footnote styles. Superscript is used for exponents, footnote numbers, and trademark symbols.

The superscript shortcut on Windows is Ctrl + Shift + + (the plus sign on the main keyboard). On Mac, it is Cmd + Shift + +. Both shortcuts toggle on and off the same way subscript does — select the text, press the keys, and press them again to return to normal.

What to do if the shortcut does not work

If Ctrl + = does nothing, check that you are pressing the equals sign on the main keyboard row, not the numpad. Some keyboards and keyboard layouts do not register the numpad equals sign for this command. Also make sure you selected the text before pressing the shortcut — if nothing is selected, Word has nothing to format.

If you are using Word Online in a web browser, the shortcut may not work depending on your browser and keyboard layout. In that case, use the Format menu instead: click the Format icon (usually a paintbrush or "A" symbol), then look for Character or Text options and select Subscript.

Typing subscript in the middle of a sentence

To add subscript while you are typing, stop at the point where you need it, press Ctrl + = to turn subscript on, type the subscript characters, then press Ctrl + = again to turn it off and continue with normal text. This works smoothly once you get used to the rhythm.

For example, to type "The formula is H₂O," you would type "The formula is H", press Ctrl + =, type "2", press Ctrl + = again, then type "O." The subscript stays in place and does not affect the rest of your sentence.

Subscript in tables and headers

The keyboard shortcut works the same way in tables, headers, footers, and text boxes as it does in regular paragraphs. Select the text you want to format and press Ctrl + = (Windows) or Cmd + = (Mac). This is useful when you need subscript in a table cell or in a header that repeats across pages.

If you are working in a header or footer and the shortcut does not seem to work, make sure you have actually clicked inside the header or footer area to edit it. Word will not format text in a header unless you are actively editing that header.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use subscript in Word Online?

Yes, but the keyboard shortcut may not work depending on your browser. If Ctrl + = does not work, use the Format menu instead. Click Format, then look for Character or Text options and select Subscript from the dropdown.

What is the difference between subscript and superscript?

Subscript is smaller text that sits below the baseline of regular text, used for formulas like H₂O. Superscript is smaller text that sits above the baseline, used for exponents and footnote numbers. The shortcuts are different: Ctrl + = for subscript, Ctrl + Shift + + for superscript on Windows.

Does the subscript shortcut work in Excel and PowerPoint?

Yes, Ctrl + = (Windows) and Cmd + = (Mac) work for subscript in Excel, PowerPoint, and most other Office applications. The behavior is the same — select the text first, then press the shortcut to toggle subscript on and off.

Why does my keyboard shortcut not work?

Make sure you selected the text before pressing the keys, and that you are using the equals sign on the main keyboard, not the numpad. Some keyboard layouts and browser settings can also block the shortcut. If it still does not work, use the Format menu instead.

Can I make subscript the default for certain text?

You can apply subscript to individual characters or words, but Word does not have a setting to make subscript the default for new text. You must select and format each subscript section manually, or use the keyboard shortcut as you type.