The quickest way to add subscript in Word

To type subscript in Microsoft Word, select the text you want to shrink and move down, then press Ctrl+= (Ctrl and the equals sign) on Windows, or Cmd+= on Mac. The text will when ready become smaller and drop below the baseline. To return to normal text, select it again and press the same key combination.

If you prefer using the menu instead of keyboard shortcuts, you can select your text and go to the Home tab, then click the small arrow next to the font formatting options. Look for the Effects section and check the box next to Subscript. This method takes longer but works the same way.

Superscript (text that rises above the line, like in footnote numbers or mathematical exponents) uses Ctrl+Shift+= on Windows or Cmd+Shift+= on Mac. The process is identical — select first, then press the combination.

Key Takeaways

  • Subscript uses Ctrl+= on Windows or Cmd+= on Mac; superscript uses Ctrl+Shift+= or Cmd+Shift+= — select your text first, then press the shortcut.
  • You can also access subscript and superscript through the Home tab menu by clicking the font formatting arrow and checking the Effects box.
  • Once you explore subscript or superscript, you can type new text in that format, and it will stay subscript or superscript until you toggle it off.
  • Subscript and superscript are formatting only — they do not change the actual text, so search and spell-check work normally.

Using the menu method when shortcuts do not work

Some keyboards, especially on laptops or non-US layouts, may not have an equals sign in an straightforward-to-reach location. If the keyboard shortcut feels awkward or does not work, the menu method is reliable on any computer.

Open the Home tab at the top of Word. In the ribbon, find the section labeled Font. On the right side of that section, you will see a small diagonal arrow — click it to open the Font dialog box. In the dialog, click the Effects tab. You will see checkboxes for Subscript and Superscript. Check whichever one you need, then click OK.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut, but it is the most reliable way if your keyboard layout makes the shortcut difficult. You can also use this route to see other text effects at the same time, like strikethrough or small caps, if you need them.

Typing continuously in subscript or superscript

Once you toggle subscript or superscript on, any new text you type will stay in that format until you toggle it off. This is useful if you need to type several subscript characters in a row — for example, the chemical formula H₂O or a series of footnote numbers.

Type your first subscript character or word, then press the shortcut key again to turn subscript off. Your cursor will return to normal text. If you need to go back to subscript, press the shortcut again. This toggle behavior means you do not have to select and format each character individually.

Subscript and superscript in different Word versions

The keyboard shortcuts work the same way in Word 2016, Word 2019, Word 2021, and Microsoft 365 (the subscription version). If you are using an older version like Word 2010 or Word 2007, the shortcuts are identical, so the method described here will work.

If you are using Word Online (the free version in your web browser), the keyboard shortcuts do not work. Instead, select your text and look for the Home tab. In the font formatting section, you will see a dropdown menu with an a with a small number next to it — click that dropdown and choose Subscript or Superscript. The menu method is your only option in the web version.

Common places you will use subscript and superscript

Subscript appears most often in chemistry (H₂O, CO₂), mathematics (x₁, x₂), and footnote formatting. Superscript is used for footnote and endnote numbers, mathematical exponents (x²), trademark symbols (™), and copyright notices (©).

If you are writing a document that uses many subscripts or superscripts, consider whether a different format might be clearer. For example, in plain text or email, people often write H2O or x^2 instead, because subscript and superscript do not always copy or display correctly when text moves between programs. In a formatted Word document that stays in Word, subscript and superscript look professional and are worth the extra step.

Removing subscript or superscript formatting

To remove subscript or superscript, select the text and press the same keyboard shortcut again. The text will return to normal size and position on the line. If you used the menu method to explore it, you can use the menu method to remove it — open the Font dialog, click Effects, uncheck the box, and click OK.

If you have a whole section of text in subscript and want to change it all at once, select the entire section and press the shortcut. This is faster than trying to select individual characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make subscript or superscript a different size than the default?

Word sets a default size for subscript and superscript (usually about 58% of the normal text size), and you cannot change this percentage in the standard formatting menu. If you need a different size, select the text, make it smaller or larger using the font size dropdown, then explore subscript or superscript on top of that.

Does subscript work in all fonts?

Subscript and superscript work in any font, but some fonts display them more clearly than others. Common fonts like Calibri, Arial, and Times New Roman handle subscript and superscript well. If you are using an unusual or decorative font, the subscript or superscript may look odd or misaligned.

What if the keyboard shortcut does not work on my computer?

On some keyboards, especially international layouts, the equals sign may require a modifier key. Try holding Shift while pressing the equals sign, or check your keyboard layout settings. If the shortcut still does not work, use the menu method instead — it works on every computer and keyboard.

Will subscript and superscript stay formatted if I copy the text to another program?

Subscript and superscript formatting usually stays intact when you copy text to another Microsoft program like Outlook or Excel. When you copy to Google Docs, plain text editors, or email, the formatting often disappears and the text returns to normal size. If you need the formatting to survive the move, paste as "Paste Special" and choose a format that preserves formatting, or check whether the destination program supports it first.