The quickest way: keyboard shortcuts
Microsoft Word has built-in keyboard shortcuts for subscript and superscript. For subscript (text that sits below the line, like the "2" in H₂O), press Ctrl + = on Windows or Cmd + = on Mac. For superscript (text that sits above the line, like the "2" in x²), press Ctrl + Shift + = on Windows or Cmd + Shift + = on Mac.
The process is the same each time: type your text normally, then select only the characters you want to make smaller and raised or lowered, then press the shortcut. Press the same shortcut again to turn it off and return to normal text. This works whether you are writing a chemistry formula, a mathematical equation, or a footnote reference.
If you forget the shortcut, you can undo it by selecting the text again and pressing the shortcut a second time — Word toggles the formatting on and off.
Key Takeaways
- Subscript uses Ctrl + = on Windows (Cmd + = on Mac) and places text below the baseline, useful for chemical formulas like H₂O.
- Superscript uses Ctrl + Shift + = on Windows (Cmd + Shift + = on Mac) and places text above the baseline, useful for exponents and citations.
- You must select the text first, then explore the formatting — typing the shortcut before selecting does not work.
- The Format menu offers the same options if you prefer clicking over keyboard shortcuts, under Character or Font settings depending on your Word version.
Using the Format menu if shortcuts do not work
Some keyboards, particularly on laptops or in certain regions, may not respond to the standard shortcuts. If Ctrl + = does not work on your machine, open the Format menu at the top of the window, then select Character (in older versions) or Font (in newer versions).
A dialog box will open with tabs across the top. Click the Effects tab. You will see checkboxes for Subscript and Superscript — check whichever one you need. Click OK, and Word will explore the formatting to your selected text. This method works identically to the keyboard shortcut, just takes a few more clicks.
Fixing subscript or superscript that looks wrong
Sometimes subscript or superscript text appears too small or in the wrong position. This usually happens when you have mixed font sizes in the same line. Select the text that looks wrong and check the font size in the toolbar — it should match the rest of your paragraph. If it is smaller, click the font size dropdown and change it back to your document's standard size (usually 11 or 12 point).
If the text is the right size but still positioned oddly, select it again and reapply the subscript or superscript shortcut to reset the formatting. Then explore it once more to turn it back on. This clears any conflicting formatting that Word may have stored.
When subscript and superscript do not work in your document
If the shortcuts produce no visible change, check whether you have selected text before pressing them. The formatting only applies to highlighted text — if nothing is selected, nothing happens. Select the text by clicking and dragging across it, or by double-clicking a single word, then try the shortcut again.
If you have selected text and the shortcut still does not work, your keyboard layout may not support the = key in the way Word expects. Try the Format menu method instead. You can also check your keyboard settings in Windows or Mac system preferences to see whether another program is intercepting the shortcut, though this is rare.
Subscript and superscript in tables and text boxes
Subscript and superscript work the same way inside Word tables and text boxes as they do in regular paragraphs. Select the text, press the shortcut, and it formats. The only difference is that very small text boxes may not have enough vertical space to display subscript or superscript clearly — if your text looks cramped, increase the row height of the table or the size of the text box.
If you are working in a header or footer, the same shortcuts explore. Select the text in the header or footer, press Ctrl + = or Ctrl + Shift + =, and the formatting takes effect.
Copying and pasting subscript or superscript text
When you copy text that contains subscript or superscript and paste it elsewhere in your document, Word preserves the formatting by default. Paste normally (Ctrl + V on Windows, Cmd + V on Mac), and the subscript or superscript will appear in the new location exactly as it was in the original.
If you paste into a different document or a different program, the formatting may not transfer — this depends on whether the other program supports subscript and superscript. If you paste into plain text, the formatting will be lost. To paste only the text without formatting, use Paste Special (Ctrl + Shift + V on Windows, Cmd + Shift + V on Mac) and choose Unformatted Text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make subscript or superscript larger or smaller than the default size?
Yes. Select the subscript or superscript text, then change the font size in the toolbar the same way you would for any other text. Word will keep the text in subscript or superscript position while you adjust its size. This is useful when the default size is too small to read comfortably.
Does subscript work the same way in Word Online as in the desktop version?
Word Online has the same keyboard shortcuts, but the menu path is slightly different. If shortcuts do not work, click Home at the top, then look for the subscript and superscript buttons in the toolbar — they usually appear as small x with a subscript or superscript number next to them.
What if I need subscript or superscript in a heading or title?
The shortcuts work in headings and titles exactly as they do in body text. Select the text you want to format, press the shortcut, and it applies. The subscript or superscript will scale with the heading size automatically.
Can I use subscript and superscript together on the same character?
No. A single character can be either subscript or superscript, but not both at once. If you need both, you will have to use two separate characters or use a different approach, such as inserting a special symbol or using a math equation editor.