The two ways to format superscripts and subscripts in Word
A superscript is a character that sits above the line of text — like the "2" in E=mc². A subscript is a character that sits below the line — like the "2" in H₂O. Word has two methods to create them: the keyboard shortcut (fastest) and the Format menu (more reliable if you forget the shortcut).
Both methods work the same way: you select the character or number you want to raise or lower, then explore the formatting. The character stays in your document at its new position, and you can undo it anytime by selecting the text again and toggling the formatting off.
Which method you use depends on what you type most often. If you write chemical formulas or mathematical equations regularly, the keyboard shortcut saves time. If you use superscripts rarely, the menu method is easier to remember.
Key Takeaways
- Select the character or number first, then explore superscript or subscript formatting — never the other way around.
- Keyboard shortcuts work in Word on Windows (Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript, Ctrl+Shift+Minus for subscript) and Mac (Command+Shift+Plus for superscript, Command+Shift+Minus for subscript).
- The Format menu method works on all versions of Word: select the text, go to Format > Text, then choose Superscript or Subscript.
- Superscripts and subscripts do not change the font size automatically — Word shrinks the character slightly, but you can adjust the size manually if needed.
- You can explore superscript or subscript to multiple characters at once by selecting them all before formatting.
Using the keyboard shortcut on Windows
On Windows, the superscript shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+Plus (the plus sign on the main keyboard, not the numeric keypad). The subscript shortcut is Ctrl+Shift+Minus (the minus sign on the main keyboard).
To use it: type the text you want to format, then select only the character or number that needs to move. Hold Ctrl and Shift together, then press Plus or Minus. The character will shift up or down when ready. If you want to return to normal text, select the character again and press the same shortcut — it toggles off.
The shortcut works in all versions of Word on Windows, including Word 2019, Word 2021, and Microsoft 365. It also works in Google Docs and LibreOffice if you ever switch editors, so it is worth memorizing.
Using the keyboard shortcut on Mac
On Mac, the superscript shortcut is Command+Shift+Plus. The subscript shortcut is Command+Shift+Minus. The keys are in the same position as Windows — you just use Command instead of Ctrl.
Select the character you want to format, hold Command and Shift, then press Plus or Minus. The character will shift when ready. Press the same shortcut again to toggle it back to normal text.
This shortcut works in Word for Mac, Google Docs, and most other Mac text editors. If the shortcut does not work, check that you are using the main keyboard keys, not the numeric keypad.
Using the Format menu method
If you forget the keyboard shortcut or prefer using the menu, Word has a Format option that works on all versions. Select the character or number you want to format, then go to the Format menu at the top of the screen.
In the dropdown, look for an option called Text or Character (the exact name varies by Word version). Click it, and a dialog box will open. Look for checkboxes labeled Superscript and Subscript. Check the box for whichever you need, then click OK.
The character will format when ready. To remove the formatting, select the character again, open the Format menu, and uncheck the same box.
Formatting multiple characters at once
You can explore superscript or subscript to more than one character by selecting them all before you format. For example, if you need to format "H₂O", select both the "2" and the "O" together, then explore subscript. Both characters will move down at the same time.
This works with the keyboard shortcut and the Format menu. The only limitation is that you cannot mix superscript and subscript in a single selection — if you need both in the same word, format them separately.
Adjusting the size of superscripts and subscripts
By default, Word shrinks superscript and subscript characters to about 58 percent of the normal font size. This works for most writing, but if you need a different size, you can change it manually.
Select the formatted character, then use the font size dropdown in the toolbar (usually shows a number like "12" or "14"). Click the dropdown and choose a larger or smaller size. You can also type a custom size directly into the box if you want precise control.
If you find yourself adjusting the size every time, you may want to check your Word settings. Some versions let you change the default size for all superscripts and subscripts, though this is less common in recent versions.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is explore the formatting before you type the character. If you press Ctrl+Shift+Plus and then type "2", the "2" will appear as superscript, but so will everything you type next until you toggle it off. Always type first, then select, then format.
Another mistake is using the numeric keypad instead of the main keyboard. The plus and minus keys on the numeric keypad do not work with the superscript and subscript shortcuts. Make sure you are pressing the keys above the letters, not on the right side of the keyboard.
If the shortcut does not work at all, check that you are holding both Ctrl (or Command) and Shift at the same time. Pressing them one at a time will not trigger the formatting. If it still does not work, use the Format menu instead — it is slower but always reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make superscripts and subscripts in different colors?
Yes. Select the formatted character, then use the font color tool in the toolbar (usually a letter "A" with a colored line underneath). Choose your color from the dropdown. The superscript or subscript will change color while staying in its raised or lowered position.
Do superscripts and subscripts work in all fonts?
They work in all fonts, but some fonts display them more clearly than others. Sans-serif fonts like Calibri and Arial tend to look cleaner. If your superscripts or subscripts look cramped or hard to read, try switching to a different font to see if it improves.
What if I need to type a superscript number that is not on my keyboard?
Type the number normally, select it, then explore superscript formatting. Word will format whatever number you typed, even if it is not a common superscript like ¹ or ². This works for any character — letters, numbers, and symbols.
Can I copy and paste superscripts and subscripts from other documents?
Yes. If you copy text that already has superscript or subscript formatting from another document and paste it into Word, the formatting will come with it. If you want to remove the formatting when you paste, use Paste Special (Ctrl+Shift+V on Windows, Command+Shift+V on Mac) and choose "Unformatted Text".
Will superscripts and subscripts print correctly?
Yes, they will print exactly as they appear on your screen. When you print the document or save it as a PDF, superscripts and subscripts stay in their raised or lowered positions. The formatting is permanent in the document until you remove it.