How to Add Superscript and Subscript in Word

Learn multiple methods to create superscript and subscript text in Microsoft Word, including keyboard shortcuts, ribbon options, and formatting techniques for mathematical expressions and scientific notation.

Quick Reference: Word Superscript and Subscript Shortcuts

Superscript

Ctrl + Shift + + Keyboard shortcut
Ctrl + D then select Superscript
Home tab → Font section → X² button

Subscript

Ctrl + Shift + - Keyboard shortcut
Ctrl + D then select Subscript
Home tab → Font section → X₂ button

Method 1: How to Insert Superscript and Subscript in Word Using the Ribbon

For Superscript:

Select the text you want to format as superscript
Go to the Home tab in the ribbon
In the Font section, click the Superscript button (X²)
Your selected text will now appear as superscript

Tip: You can also click the superscript button first, then type your text, and it will automatically be formatted as superscript.

For Subscript:

Select the text you want to format as subscript
Navigate to the Home tab
In the Font group, click the Subscript button (X₂)
The selected text will transform into subscript format

Method 2: Word Superscript Keyboard Shortcut

Using keyboard shortcuts is the fastest way to add superscript and subscript in Word. These shortcuts work in all versions of Microsoft Word.

Superscript Shortcut

Ctrl+Shift++

Press and hold all three keys simultaneously

Subscript Shortcut

Ctrl+Shift+-

Press and hold all three keys simultaneously

How to Use These Shortcuts:

Select the text you want to format, OR
Place your cursor where you want to start typing superscript/subscript
Press the keyboard shortcut
Type your text (it will appear formatted)
Press the same shortcut again to return to normal formatting

Method 3: How to Make Superscript and Subscript in Word Using Font Dialog

The Font dialog box provides more detailed formatting options and is useful when you need precise control over your text formatting.

Select the text you want to format
Press Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box
In the Effects section, check either:
- Superscript for raised text
- Subscript for lowered text
Click OK to apply the formatting

Advanced Tip: In the Font dialog, you can also adjust the character spacing and position for more precise control over your superscript and subscript formatting.

How to Do Exponents in Word: Practical Examples

Superscript and subscript are commonly used in mathematical expressions, scientific formulas, and citations. Here are practical examples:

Mathematical Expressions

x squaredx²

10 cubed10³

E equals mc squaredE = mc²

Scientific Formulas

Water moleculeH₂O

Carbon dioxideCO₂

Sulfuric acidH₂SO₄

Step-by-Step: Creating x²

Type "x" in your document
Type "2" immediately after
Select only the "2"
Press Ctrl + Shift + +
The "2" will become superscript: x²

The Quickest Way to Get Superscript and Subscript Text

While Microsoft Word offers multiple methods for creating superscript and subscript, sometimes you need a faster solution for quick copy-pasting across different applications and platforms.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

Solution:

Make sure you're pressing all keys simultaneously
Check if your keyboard has a function (Fn) key that needs to be pressed
Try using the ribbon method instead
Restart Word if shortcuts stop responding

Problem: Formatting Doesn't Copy to Other Applications

Solution:

Word's superscript/subscript formatting is application-specific
Use Unicode superscript/subscript characters for universal compatibility
Copy as "Keep Text Only" to maintain basic formatting
Consider using our online generator for cross-platform text

Conclusion

Microsoft Word provides several effective methods to add superscript and subscript to your documents. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl + Shift + + for superscript, Ctrl + Shift + - for subscript), ribbon buttons, or the font dialog box, you now have the tools to create professional mathematical expressions, scientific formulas, and properly formatted citations.

For quick copy-paste solutions that work across all platforms and applications, consider using superscript generator and subscript generator that create universal superscript and subscript characters compatible with social media, emails, and web forms.