Superscript and subscript are two ways to position text smaller and higher or lower than the main line of writing
Superscript is text that sits above and to the right of the regular line — like the "2" in E=mc². Subscript is text that sits below and to the right of the regular line — like the "2" in H₂O. Both are smaller than regular text. The choice between them depends on what you are writing about: superscript for exponents, footnotes, and citations; subscript for chemical formulas, mathematical variables, and footnotes in some fields.
In most writing software — Microsoft Word, Google Docs, email, web pages — you can apply either formatting to selected text with a keyboard shortcut or a menu button. The exact method varies by platform, but the principle is the same: highlight the text you want to shrink and shift, then tell the software which direction to move it.
Key Takeaways
- Superscript appears above the line and is used for exponents (3²), footnote numbers, and trademark symbols (™).
- Subscript appears below the line and is used for chemical formulas (H₂O), mathematical subscripts, and some reference systems.
- In Word, use Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript and Ctrl+Equals for subscript on Windows; on Mac, use Cmd+Shift+Plus and Cmd+Equals.
- In Google Docs, highlight text, then use Format > Text > Superscript or Subscript from the menu.
- Not all fonts, email clients, or web browsers display superscript and subscript the same way, so test before sending important documents.
When to use superscript
Superscript is the standard format for mathematical exponents and powers. When you write 2³ (two to the power of three), the 3 must be superscript to be mathematically correct. The same applies to any equation where a number or variable is raised to a power.
Superscript is also used for footnote and endnote numbers in academic and formal writing. When you place a superscript number at the end of a sentence — like this¹ — it tells the reader to look for that number at the bottom of the page or end of the document for more information. This is standard in research papers, books, and formal reports.
Trademark (™), registered trademark (®), and copyright (©) symbols are often written in superscript, though this is a style choice rather than a requirement. Some style guides call for it; others do not. Check your organization's style guide if you are writing for a specific publication or company.
When to use subscript
Subscript is essential in chemistry and biology for writing chemical formulas. Water is H₂O — the 2 must be subscript to show that there are two hydrogen atoms. Sulfuric acid is H₂SO₄. Any time you are listing the number of atoms in a molecule, subscript is the correct format.
In mathematics, subscript is used to label variables or elements in a series. If you are writing about multiple variables — x₁, x₂, x₃ — the numbers are subscript. Subscript is also used in physics and engineering to denote different versions or components of the same variable.
Some reference and citation systems use subscript for specific purposes, though this is less common in general writing. If you are following a particular style guide or academic discipline, check whether subscript is required for your field.
How to apply superscript in Microsoft Word
On Windows, highlight the text or number you want to make superscript, then press Ctrl+Shift+Plus (the plus key on the main keyboard, not the numeric keypad). The selected text will immediately move above the line and shrink. To undo it, select the text again and press the same shortcut.
On Mac, highlight the text and press Cmd+Shift+Plus. The result is the same. You can also use the Format menu: go to Format > Text > Superscript, though the keyboard shortcut is faster once you remember it.
If the keyboard shortcut does not work, your keyboard layout may be different. In that case, use the menu: select the text, then go to Home > Superscript (in the Font group), or Format > Text > Superscript depending on your Word version.
How to apply subscript in Microsoft Word
On Windows, highlight the text or number you want to make subscript, then press Ctrl+Equals. The selected text will move below the line and shrink. On Mac, press Cmd+Equals. Like superscript, you can also reach this through the Format menu if the keyboard shortcut does not work on your system.
The subscript shortcut is easier to remember than superscript because the equals sign (=) visually suggests a line, and subscript sits below that line. Once you use it a few times, the shortcut becomes automatic.
How to apply superscript and subscript in Google Docs
In Google Docs, the process is the same regardless of whether you are on Windows or Mac. Highlight the text you want to format, then click Format in the menu bar. Select Text, then choose either Superscript or Subscript from the dropdown. The text will format immediately.
You can also use keyboard shortcuts in Google Docs: Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript on Windows, or Cmd+Shift+Plus on Mac. For subscript, use Ctrl+Comma on Windows or Cmd+Comma on Mac. These shortcuts work in Google Docs but may not work the same way in other Google products like Sheets or Slides.
Superscript and subscript in email and web browsers
Email clients vary in how they handle superscript and subscript. Gmail preserves the formatting if you copy and paste text that already has superscript or subscript applied, but many other email programs do not. Outlook generally preserves it; Yahoo Mail and some mobile email clients may not. If you are sending important documents by email, test the formatting in your specific email client before sending.
On web pages, superscript and subscript are written using HTML tags: <sup> for superscript and <sub> for subscript. Most modern web browsers display these correctly, but older browsers or unusual device settings may not. If you are building a website or writing content for the web, these tags are the standard way to format these elements.
Plain text formats — like text messages, some chat applications, and certain document types — do not support superscript or subscript at all. If you need to write a chemical formula or exponent in plain text, you may have to use a workaround like H2O or 2^3 (using the caret symbol to indicate a power).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use superscript or subscript in all fonts?
Most fonts support superscript and subscript, but some decorative or specialty fonts may not. If you apply superscript or subscript to text in an unsupported font and then open the document on another computer, the formatting may not display correctly. For academic and professional documents, use standard fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri to ensure compatibility.
What is the difference between superscript and a footnote?
Superscript is the formatting — the small, raised number or symbol. A footnote is the reference system that uses superscript numbers to link text to notes at the bottom of the page. You can have superscript text that is not part of a footnote system, like an exponent in a math equation.
Why does my superscript or subscript look different on my phone than on my computer?
Different devices and operating systems render fonts and text formatting differently. Mobile phones often use smaller screens and different font rendering engines, which can make superscript and subscript appear misaligned or harder to read. Always check how your document looks on the devices your readers will use.
Can I make superscript or subscript larger or smaller than the default size?
Yes. After applying superscript or subscript formatting, you can select the text again and change the font size using the font size menu. However, most style guides recommend using the default reduced size that Word or Docs applies automatically, as this is the standard appearance in published work.
What if I need to write a footnote number but my software does not support superscript?
In plain text or unsupported formats, use a regular number in parentheses or brackets — like (1) or [1] — instead of a superscript number. This is less formal but still clear. For academic work, always use proper superscript formatting if your software allows it.