What superscript and subscript do in Word

Superscript raises text above the line — used for footnote numbers, exponents (like 2³), and trademark symbols. Subscript lowers text below the line — used for chemical formulas (H₂O), footnote references, and mathematical notation. Both shrink the text size automatically.

Word treats these as character formatting, not separate characters. You select the text you want to change, apply the format, and the text stays in your document but displays raised or lowered. You can undo it the same way you applied it. The formatting does not affect how Word counts words, searches text, or checks spelling — the characters remain the same, only their position and size change on the page.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text first, then use Ctrl+Shift+P for superscript or Ctrl+Shift+B for subscript on Windows; Cmd+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+B on Mac.
  • The Format menu offers the same options under Character if you prefer not to memorize keyboard shortcuts.
  • Superscript and subscript text shrinks automatically and does not change the line spacing of your document.
  • You can apply these formats to numbers, letters, or entire words, and remove them by selecting the text and pressing the same shortcut again.
  • Find and Replace can apply superscript or subscript formatting to multiple instances of the same text at once.

Using keyboard shortcuts on Windows

The fastest way to add superscript or subscript is the keyboard shortcut. On Windows, select the text you want to format, then press Ctrl+Shift+P for superscript or Ctrl+Shift+B for subscript. The text will shrink and move immediately.

To remove the formatting, select the text again and press the same shortcut. Pressing it a second time toggles the format off. This works whether you are in the middle of typing or editing text you already wrote. If you accidentally apply the wrong format, pressing the shortcut again removes it, then you can apply the correct one.

Using keyboard shortcuts on Mac

Mac uses different key combinations. Select your text, then press Cmd+Shift+P for superscript or Cmd+Shift+B for subscript. The formatting applies the same way as Windows — the text shrinks and repositions.

Toggling off works the same way: select the formatted text and press the shortcut again. If you forget the shortcut, you can always use the Format menu instead, which works identically on Mac and Windows. Many users find the keyboard shortcut faster once they use it a few times, but the menu method is always available as a backup.

Using the Format menu

Open the Format menu at the top of the window and select Character (or Text depending on your Word version). A dialog box will open with a tab labeled Font or Effects. Look for checkboxes for Superscript and Subscript, check the one you want, and click OK.

This method takes longer than the keyboard shortcut but does not require memorizing key combinations. It also shows you exactly what the formatting will look like before you apply it. You can use this same dialog to remove the formatting — just uncheck the box and click OK again. The Format menu approach works on all versions of Word and is reliable if keyboard shortcuts are not working or if you prefer using the mouse.

Common uses and examples

Superscript appears most often in mathematical expressions (x² + y² = z²), scientific notation (10⁵), and footnote or endnote markers. It also marks registered trademarks (®) and copyrights (©), though Word can insert these symbols directly if you prefer. In academic writing, superscript numbers link to citations at the bottom of the page or end of the document.

Subscript is standard in chemistry (H₂SO₄, CO₂) and physics formulas. It also appears in mathematical subscripts (x₁, x₂) and sometimes in formal writing to denote variables or indexed items. Both formats are purely visual — Word still treats the text as regular characters for searching and spell-checking. This means you can search for "H2O" and find "H₂O" formatted with subscript.

Formatting multiple instances at once

If you need to format the same text in multiple places, use Find and Replace. Open Find and Replace (Ctrl+H on Windows, Cmd+H on Mac), type the text you want to find in the Find field, then click More Options or Format to specify superscript or subscript as the replacement format. Word will change all instances at once.

This is especially useful in long documents with repeated chemical formulas or numbered variables. You can also use Find and Replace to remove formatting from multiple instances — find the text with superscript formatting applied, then replace it with the same text but without the formatting. This saves time compared to selecting and formatting each instance individually, particularly in documents with dozens of occurrences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does superscript or subscript change the line spacing?

No. Word automatically adjusts the size of superscript and subscript text so it does not affect the spacing between lines. Your document layout stays the same whether you use these formats or not.

Can I change the size of superscript or subscript text?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Select the formatted text, open the Format menu, choose Character, and adjust the font size in the dialog. However, Word's default sizing is designed to look correct, and changing it often makes formulas or citations look wrong.

What if the keyboard shortcut does not work?

Check that you selected the text before pressing the shortcut. If nothing is selected, the shortcut will not do anything. If the shortcut still does not work, use the Format menu instead — it produces the same result and works on all versions of Word.

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

Yes. When you copy formatted text, Word copies the formatting along with it. Paste it anywhere in your document and the superscript or subscript format comes with it. If you want to paste only the text without formatting, use Paste Special (Ctrl+Shift+V) and choose Unformatted Text.

Will superscript or subscript formatting print correctly?

Yes. The formatting prints exactly as it appears on your screen. Before printing, preview your document to confirm the superscript and subscript text looks correct and is positioned where you want it.