Superscript and subscript are text sizes positioned above or below the normal line

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

The fastest way is to select the text you want to format, then use the keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+P for superscript or Ctrl+= (Ctrl and the equals sign) for subscript on Windows. On Mac, use Cmd+Shift+P for superscript or Cmd+= for subscript. If you prefer the menu, the Home tab in the ribbon holds both options in the Font group.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text first, then press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) for superscript, or Ctrl+= (Windows) or Cmd+= (Mac) for subscript.
  • You can also find both options in the Home tab under Font, in a dropdown menu next to the font size.
  • Superscript and subscript can be toggled on and off — selecting formatted text and using the same shortcut removes the formatting.
  • The formatting applies only to selected text, so you can mix normal, superscript, and subscript in the same line or paragraph.

Using keyboard shortcuts (the fastest method)

Keyboard shortcuts are the quickest way if you format text regularly. Highlight the text you want to change — a single character, a number, or a whole word — then hold down the modifier keys and press the letter or symbol.

On Windows, Ctrl+Shift+P activates superscript. On Mac, Cmd+Shift+P does the same. For subscript, Windows uses Ctrl+= and Mac uses Cmd+=. The text shrinks and moves into position immediately. To remove the formatting, select the text again and press the same shortcut a second time — it toggles off.

Using the Home tab menu

If you do not remember the shortcuts, the ribbon menu works just as well. Open your document and click the Home tab at the top. In the Font group (the section with font name, size, and bold/italic buttons), look for a small dropdown arrow next to the font effects options.

Click that arrow and you will see a dialog box with checkboxes for Superscript and Subscript. Check the box for whichever you need, then click OK. The formatting applies to any text you had selected. This route takes a few more clicks but works if you only format text occasionally.

Formatting in the middle of typing

You do not have to select text after you type it. You can turn superscript or subscript on before you type, enter the text, then turn it off again. Position your cursor where you want the formatted text to appear, press Ctrl+Shift+P (or Ctrl+=), type the text, then press the same shortcut again to switch back to normal formatting.

This method is useful when you know you need a superscript number or chemical formula as you write. It keeps your hands on the keyboard and avoids the need to go back and select text later.

Removing superscript or subscript formatting

To remove formatting, select the text that is currently superscript or subscript and press the same keyboard shortcut you used to apply it. The text returns to normal size and position on the baseline. If you used the menu instead, select the text, open the Font dialog, uncheck the Superscript or Subscript box, and click OK.

You can also select all text in your document (Ctrl+A on Windows, Cmd+A on Mac) and remove all superscript and subscript at once if you need to reset formatting across the whole page.

Common uses for superscript and subscript

Superscript appears most often in academic and technical writing. Footnote and endnote numbers sit as superscript, as do exponents in mathematics (5²), trademark symbols (™), and registered marks (®). Some style guides also use superscript for citations.

Subscript is standard in chemistry and physics. Water is written H₂O, sulfuric acid as H₂SO₄, and chemical equations use subscript throughout. In mathematics, subscript denotes sequences or variables — like x₁, x₂, x₃. Some technical fields also use subscript for footnotes or reference numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I copy and paste text that already has superscript or subscript formatting?

Yes. When you copy text with superscript or subscript applied, the formatting comes along with it. Paste it anywhere in your document and the text will retain the same size and position. If you want to paste only the text without formatting, use Paste Special (Ctrl+Shift+V on Windows, Cmd+Shift+V on Mac) and choose Unformatted Text.

Does superscript or subscript work in all fonts?

Yes, both work in any font Word supports. The text shrinks and repositions the same way regardless of which typeface you are using. Some fonts may look slightly different when formatted, but the feature itself is universal.

What if I need to use superscript or subscript in a table?

The same shortcuts and menu options work inside table cells. Select the text within the cell and apply superscript or subscript the same way you would in regular paragraphs. Formatting behaves identically whether the text is in a cell or on the page.

Can I make superscript or subscript text larger or smaller than the default size?

Word sets a default size for superscript and subscript, but you can adjust it. Go to Home, click the Font dialog launcher (small arrow in the Font group), select the Font tab, and look for Superscript or Subscript options. You can change the percentage of the original text size if you need it larger or smaller than the preset.