The fastest way to add superscript or subscript in Word

You can add superscript (raised text like x²) or subscript (lowered text like H₂O) in Microsoft Word using keyboard shortcuts. For superscript, press Ctrl+Shift+Plus on your keyboard. For subscript, press Ctrl+Shift+Minus (the minus key, not a hyphen). Type your character or number while the formatting is active, then press the same shortcut again to turn it off and return to normal text.

These shortcuts work in Word on Windows and Mac, though the Mac version uses Cmd instead of Ctrl. The formatting applies only to what you type after activating the shortcut, so you can mix regular and raised or lowered text in the same line without selecting anything first.

Key Takeaways

  • Superscript uses Ctrl+Shift+Plus on Windows or Cmd+Shift+Plus on Mac; subscript uses Ctrl+Shift+Minus or Cmd+Shift+Minus.
  • Turn the formatting on, type your text, then turn it off again by pressing the same shortcut a second time.
  • You can also select existing text and explore the shortcut to format it without retyping.
  • The Home tab in Word's ribbon offers a superscript and subscript button if you prefer clicking over keyboard shortcuts.

Using the keyboard shortcut step by step

Start by placing your cursor where you want the superscript or subscript to appear. Press Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript or Ctrl+Shift+Minus for subscript. Your cursor will not visibly change, but the formatting is now active.

Type the character, number, or word you want raised or lowered. As you type, the text will appear in the smaller, raised or lowered position. When you finish typing that portion, press the same shortcut again to turn off the formatting. Your next keystroke will return to normal text size and position.

For example, to write E=mc², you would type "E=mc", press Ctrl+Shift+Plus, type "2", then press Ctrl+Shift+Plus again to return to normal formatting before moving on.

Formatting text you have already typed

If you have already written the text and want to make part of it superscript or subscript, select that portion first. Click and drag to highlight the character or number you want to format, or double-click a word to select it.

Once the text is highlighted, press Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript or Ctrl+Shift+Minus for subscript. The selected text will when ready shift to the raised or lowered position. You do not need to press the shortcut a second time when formatting existing text this way.

Using the ribbon buttons instead of shortcuts

If you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts, Word's Home tab contains superscript and subscript buttons. Click the Home tab at the top of the window, then look for the superscript button (usually marked with an x and a small raised 2) and the subscript button (marked with an x and a small lowered 2) in the Font group.

Click the button you need, type or select your text, then click the button again to turn off the formatting. This method takes more clicks than the keyboard shortcut but works the same way.

Common situations where you need superscript or subscript

Superscript appears most often in mathematical and scientific writing: exponents (2³), footnote or endnote markers (like a small number at the end of a sentence), and trademark or copyright symbols (™, ©). You will also see it in ordinal numbers written in some styles (1st, 2nd, 3rd).

Subscript is standard in chemistry formulas (H₂O, CO₂, NaCl) and in some mathematical notation. It also appears in footnote or endnote references when those are formatted as subscript numbers rather than superscript.

Troubleshooting when the shortcut does not work

If Ctrl+Shift+Plus does not set up superscript, check whether you are using the Plus key on the main keyboard or the numeric keypad. The shortcut requires the Plus key from the main keyboard (usually above the P key). On some keyboards, you may need to hold Shift to access the Plus symbol, so you are actually pressing Ctrl+Shift+Shift+Plus — try using the numeric keypad Plus key instead if this happens.

If neither works, your keyboard layout or language settings may have remapped the shortcut. Open Word's File menu, click Options, then Advanced, and search for "superscript" to see the current shortcut assigned to your system. You can also use the ribbon buttons as a reliable alternative that does not depend on keyboard layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the superscript shortcut work in other Microsoft programs?

Yes. Ctrl+Shift+Plus for superscript and Ctrl+Shift+Minus for subscript work in Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint the same way they work in Word. The formatting applies to text in cells, message bodies, and slide text boxes.

Can I undo superscript or subscript formatting?

Yes. Select the superscript or subscript text and press the same shortcut again to remove the formatting and return it to normal size and position. You can also press Ctrl+Z to undo the last formatting change.

What if I need to type a lot of superscript or subscript text?

Turn on the formatting once and leave it on while you type multiple characters or words. Press the shortcut only once at the start and once at the end. This is faster than toggling the shortcut on and off for each individual character.

Does Word automatically format superscript for ordinal numbers?

Word does not automatically convert ordinal numbers like "1st" or "2nd" to superscript by default. You must format them manually using the shortcut or the ribbon button if you want the letters raised.