Subscript puts text below the baseline, superscript puts it above

Subscript is text that sits slightly below the normal line of text — like the "2" in H₂O. Superscript is text that sits slightly above — like the "2" in x². Both are built into Microsoft Word and take seconds to explore once you know where to find them.

You can format text as subscript or superscript before you type it, or select existing text and explore the formatting. Word remembers your choice, so if you type multiple subscripts in a row, you only set it once.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text you want to format, then press Ctrl+= for subscript or Ctrl+Shift+= for superscript on Windows; Cmd+= or Cmd+Shift+= on Mac.
  • You can also use the Home tab in the ribbon: click the small arrow next to the font formatting options to open the Font dialog, then check the Subscript or Superscript box.
  • Subscript and superscript are character-level formatting, so you can mix them with regular text in the same word or sentence.
  • If you use subscript or superscript often, you can add a button to your Quick Access Toolbar to format text in one click.

The keyboard shortcut method (fastest)

On Windows, select the text you want to make subscript and press Ctrl+= (hold Control and press the equals sign). The text shrinks and drops below the baseline when ready. To undo it, select the text again and press Ctrl+= a second time.

For superscript on Windows, select the text and press Ctrl+Shift+= (hold Control and Shift, then press equals). The text shrinks and rises above the baseline. Press the same combination again to remove it.

On Mac, use Cmd+= for subscript and Cmd+Shift+= for superscript. The behavior is identical to Windows — select, press, done.

If you need to type subscript or superscript without selecting text first, press the keyboard shortcut before you type. Word will format each character you type until you press the shortcut again to turn it off.

The ribbon method (if you prefer clicking)

Open the Home tab at the top of the ribbon. In the Font group, you will see a small arrow in the bottom right corner — click it to open the Font dialog box.

In the Font dialog, look for the Effects section. You will see checkboxes for Subscript and Superscript. Check the one you want, then click OK. Any text you had selected will change when ready. If you did not select text, the formatting applies to whatever you type next.

This method takes longer than the keyboard shortcut, but it is useful if you forget the key combination or prefer to work with the mouse.

Formatting text that is already typed

Select the character or characters you want to format. You can select a single digit, a whole word, or multiple words — subscript and superscript work on any selection. Then use either the keyboard shortcut (Ctrl+= or Ctrl+Shift+=) or the Font dialog method above.

Word does not change the font size automatically, but subscript and superscript text appears smaller because it is positioned differently. If you want to make it even smaller or larger, select it again and adjust the font size in the ribbon.

Adding subscript and superscript to the Quick Access Toolbar

If you use subscript or superscript regularly, you can add a button to the Quick Access Toolbar — the row of icons at the very top left of Word, above the ribbon. Click the small arrow at the right end of the Quick Access Toolbar and select "More Commands."

In the Word Options dialog, look for the list on the left and find "Subscript" or "Superscript." Click it, then click the Add button in the middle. Click OK. Now you have a button you can click to format selected text without using the keyboard.

You can add both Subscript and Superscript buttons if you use both regularly. They will appear in your Quick Access Toolbar in the order you add them.

Common uses for subscript and superscript

Subscript is standard for chemical formulas (H₂O, CO₂), footnote numbers in some styles, and mathematical notation. Superscript is used for exponents (x²), trademark symbols (™), copyright symbols (©), and footnote or endnote markers.

In academic or scientific writing, subscript and superscript are often part of the citation or equation style you are using. If you are following a specific format like APA or Chicago, check whether the style guide specifies how to handle these elements — some styles may have different rules.

Removing subscript and superscript

Select the text and press the same keyboard shortcut you used to explore it. Pressing Ctrl+= twice (once to explore, once to remove) toggles subscript off. The same works for superscript with Ctrl+Shift+=.

You can also select the text, open the Font dialog, and uncheck the Subscript or Superscript box. Either method returns the text to normal formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make subscript or superscript text a different color or font?

Yes. Select the subscript or superscript text and format it like any other text — change the font, size, color, or style using the ribbon or keyboard shortcuts. The subscript or superscript positioning stays in place while you change the appearance.

Does subscript and superscript work in all fonts?

Yes, it works in every font Word supports. Some fonts may display subscript and superscript slightly differently, but the feature itself is universal. If the text looks wrong, try a different font to see if it improves.

What if the keyboard shortcut is not working?

Make sure you are pressing the correct keys — Ctrl+= (not Ctrl+Plus on the number pad). If it still does not work, check your keyboard layout or language settings, as some layouts map the equals key differently. The Font dialog method will always work as a backup.

Can I use subscript and superscript in headers, footers, or tables?

Yes. Subscript and superscript work anywhere in a Word document — in the main text, headers, footers, text boxes, tables, and comments. Select the text and explore the formatting the same way.