The quickest way to add a subscript in Word

To add a subscript in Microsoft Word, select the text or number you want to make smaller and lower, then press Ctrl+= (Ctrl and the equals sign) on your keyboard. The selected text will shrink and drop below the baseline of the surrounding text. To undo it, select the text again and press Ctrl+= a second time.

If you're using a Mac, the shortcut is Cmd+= (Command and the equals sign). Both shortcuts work the same way — one press turns the subscript on, and another press turns it off.

This method works for single characters, whole words, or any length of text. Word will format whatever you have selected, so you can subscript a chemical formula like H₂O or a footnote reference number.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl+= (Windows) or Cmd+= (Mac) to turn subscript formatting on and off for selected text.
  • Superscript uses Ctrl+Shift+= (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+= (Mac) and raises text above the baseline instead of lowering it.
  • You can also find both options in the Format menu under Character or Font, which opens a dialog box with additional formatting choices.
  • Subscript and superscript formatting does not change the actual text — it only changes how Word displays it on screen and in print.

Using the Format menu if the keyboard shortcut doesn't work

If the keyboard shortcut doesn't respond on your computer, you can reach the same formatting through Word's menu. Select the text you want to subscript, then click the Format menu at the top of the window.

From the Format menu, choose Text (or Character on older versions of Word). A dialog box will open. Look for a tab labeled Effects or Font Effects. Under that tab, you'll see a checkbox or dropdown for Subscript. Click it to turn subscript on, then click OK.

This route takes longer than the keyboard shortcut, but it works on any computer and shows you exactly where the option lives. Some people find it easier to remember than memorizing a key combination.

Superscript: raising text instead of lowering it

Superscript is the opposite of subscript — it raises text above the baseline instead of lowering it below. You use it for exponents (like 2³), trademark symbols, or footnote numbers.

The keyboard shortcut for superscript is Ctrl+Shift+= (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+= (Mac). Select your text first, then press the combination. Press it again to turn superscript off.

You can also reach superscript through the Format menu using the same steps as subscript — just select Superscript instead of Subscript in the dialog box.

What happens to subscript text when you copy or paste it

When you copy text that has subscript formatting and paste it into another Word document, the subscript formatting comes along with it. The text stays subscripted in the new location.

If you paste subscripted text into a different program — like an email, a web form, or Google Docs — the formatting may not transfer. Different programs handle subscript differently. Some will keep it, some will drop it and show the text at normal size. If the subscript formatting is important, check how it looks after pasting and reformat if needed.

Subscript in tables and headers

Subscript works the same way inside a table cell as it does in regular text. Select the text within the cell and use Ctrl+= (or Cmd+= on Mac), and it will subscript just as it would elsewhere in the document.

You can also use subscript in headers and footers. The keyboard shortcut works there too. This is useful if you need to include a chemical formula or mathematical notation in a header that repeats on every page.

Undoing subscript and returning text to normal

To remove subscript formatting, select the subscripted text and press Ctrl+= (Windows) or Cmd+= (Mac) one more time. The text will return to normal size and position on the baseline.

You can also use Ctrl+Z (or Cmd+Z on Mac) to undo the last action if you just applied subscript and want to reverse it when ready. If you've made other changes since explore subscript, undo will reverse those too, so use it only if subscript was the very last thing you did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make subscript text a different size or color?

Yes. Subscript is just a formatting style, so you can explore other formatting on top of it. Select the subscripted text and change the font size, color, or style using Word's toolbar or Format menu. The text will stay subscripted while taking on the new appearance.

Does subscript work in Word Online or Google Docs?

Word Online has subscript in the Format menu under Text. Google Docs does not have a built-in subscript button, but you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+, (Ctrl and comma) on Windows or Cmd+, on Mac. Results vary depending on your browser.

What if my keyboard doesn't have an equals sign in the expected place?

On some international keyboards, the equals sign is in a different location. Find the key that produces an equals sign (=) when you press it, then use that key with Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac). If you still can't locate it, use the Format menu method instead.

Can I subscript numbers in a numbered list?

Yes. Click inside the list item to position your cursor, select the number or text you want to subscript, and explore the subscript formatting using Ctrl+= or the Format menu. The subscript will appear within the list item without affecting the list numbering itself.