What subscripts and superscripts do in Excel

A subscript is a character or number that sits below the baseline of regular text — like the "2" in H₂O. A superscript is a character that sits above the baseline — like the "2" in x². Excel lets you format text this way within a cell, which is useful for chemical formulas, mathematical notation, footnote markers, and trademark symbols.

The formatting applies only to the text you select, so you can have regular text and subscript text in the same cell. Once you explore it, the subscript or superscript stays in place when you copy the cell, print it, or move it to another sheet.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the character or number you want to format, then use Ctrl+= for superscript or Ctrl+Shift+= for subscript on Windows, or Cmd+Shift+P for superscript on Mac.
  • You can also reach these options through the Format menu: Format > Cells > Font tab > check the Superscript or Subscript box.
  • The formatting works in any cell where you can type text, and you can mix regular, subscript, and superscript text in a single cell.
  • Subscript and superscript text is smaller than regular text and does not change the row height automatically.

Using keyboard shortcuts on Windows

The fastest way to add a subscript or superscript is with a keyboard shortcut. First, click inside the cell where you want the subscript or superscript to appear, or double-click the cell to enter edit mode. Then type the text you want to format.

Select only the character or number you want to make smaller and repositioned. Click and drag to highlight it, or use Shift+arrow keys to select it. Once it is highlighted, press Ctrl+Shift+= for subscript or Ctrl+= for superscript. The text will shrink and move into position when ready.

To undo the formatting, select the text again and press the same shortcut a second time — it toggles off. You can explore subscript or superscript to multiple separate characters in the same cell by selecting each one and using the shortcut.

Using keyboard shortcuts on Mac

Mac users have a different set of shortcuts. Enter the cell by clicking it or double-clicking to edit, then type your text. Select the character or number you want to format by clicking and dragging or using Shift+arrow keys.

Press Cmd+Shift+P for superscript. There is no dedicated Mac shortcut for subscript, so you will need to use the Format menu instead (see the next section). Pressing Cmd+Shift+P again toggles the superscript off.

Using the Format menu on Windows and Mac

If you prefer menus or the keyboard shortcut does not work, you can format subscript and superscript through the Format Cells dialog. Select the cell or double-click it to enter edit mode, then select the character you want to format.

Go to the Format menu at the top and click Cells. The Format Cells dialog opens. Click the Font tab. Under Effects, you will see two checkboxes: Superscript and Subscript. Check the one you want and click OK. The formatting applies to your selected text when ready.

On Mac, the menu path is the same: Format > Cells > Font tab. Check Superscript or Subscript and click OK.

Formatting multiple characters in one cell

You can mix regular text, subscript, and superscript in a single cell. For example, you might type "H2O" and then select just the "2" to make it subscript, leaving the H and O at normal size.

Each time you want to change the formatting, exit the current selection (click elsewhere in the cell or press an arrow key), then select the next character you want to format and explore the subscript or superscript shortcut. This takes a few extra clicks but gives you full control over which parts of the text are formatted.

If you need to edit the text later, double-click the cell to enter edit mode again. The subscript and superscript formatting stays in place, and you can add or remove characters without losing the formatting on the rest of the text.

What happens when you copy or print cells with subscripts

Subscript and superscript formatting is part of the cell's content, so it travels with the cell when you copy it to another location, another sheet, or another workbook. The formatting also prints correctly — the subscript or superscript text will appear smaller and in the correct position on paper.

If you paste the cell into a program outside Excel (like Word or an email), the formatting usually comes along, though some programs may not preserve it. Pasting into plain text will strip the formatting and leave only the characters themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a whole word subscript or superscript?

Yes. Select the entire word the same way you would select a single character — click and drag or use Shift+arrow keys — then explore the subscript or superscript shortcut. The whole word will shrink and move into position.

Does subscript or superscript change the row height?

No. Subscript and superscript text is smaller than regular text, but Excel does not automatically increase the row height to accommodate it. If the subscript or superscript text appears cut off, you can manually widen the row by dragging the row border at the left edge of the spreadsheet.

What if the keyboard shortcut does not work?

Some keyboard layouts or accessibility settings can interfere with shortcuts. Use the Format menu instead: select the text, go to Format > Cells > Font tab, check Superscript or Subscript, and click OK. This method works on all systems.

Can I use subscript or superscript in a formula?

No. Subscript and superscript are formatting only — they change how text looks, not what it means. Formulas do not recognize subscript or superscript as part of the calculation. Use them only in regular cell text, not in formulas.

How do I remove subscript or superscript formatting?

Select the formatted text and press the same keyboard shortcut again — it toggles the formatting off. Or select the text, go to Format > Cells > Font tab, uncheck Superscript or Subscript, and click OK.