Insert subscript or superscript text

Superscript and subscript refer to numbers that are positioned slightly higher or slightly lower than the text on the line. For example, chemical formulas use subscript (H₂O), and an exponent is often formatted as a superscript (X⁴).

Make text subscript or superscript

1. Select the text that you want to format as subscript or superscript.

2. Do one of the following:

   • On the Home tab, in the Font group, click Subscript. Or press CTRL+=.

     

   • On the Home tab, in the Font group, click Superscript. Or press CTRL+SHIFT+=.

     

   Note: Keyboard shortcuts do not work if you are using Word Online.

3. To undo the formatting, click the Subscript or Superscript button again, or repeat the keyboard shortcut.

See Also

Equation Editor