What superscript and subscript are, and when you need them
Superscript is a smaller character positioned above the line of regular text — like the "2" in E=mc². Subscript is a smaller character positioned below the line — like the "2" in H₂O. Both are smaller than regular text and sit either above or below where a normal letter would sit.
You use superscript for exponents in math, footnote numbers, trademark symbols, and ordinal numbers like 1st or 2nd. You use subscript for chemical formulas, mathematical variables, and footnotes in some formats. On a Mac, you have three main ways to type them: through the Format menu in most applications, through keyboard shortcuts, or through the Character Viewer.
Key Takeaways
- The Format menu in most Mac applications (Word, Google Docs, Pages) has a direct button for superscript and subscript under Format > Text.
- Keyboard shortcuts work in many applications: Control+Command+Plus for superscript and Control+Command+Minus for subscript.
- The Character Viewer lets you search for and insert specific superscript and subscript characters when menu options are not available.
- Some applications like Excel and Numbers have their own superscript and subscript buttons in the toolbar or ribbon.
- Not all fonts support superscript and subscript characters, so the result depends partly on which typeface you are using.
Using the Format menu in Word, Pages, and Google Docs
In Microsoft Word on Mac, select the text you want to make superscript or subscript, then go to the Format menu at the top. Click Format, then Text, then Superscript or Subscript. The text will shrink and move into position when ready. To undo it, select the text again and click the same button to toggle it off.
In Apple Pages, the path is the same: select your text, then Format > Text > Superscript or Subscript. In Google Docs, select the text, then go to Format > Text and choose either Superscript or Subscript from the dropdown menu. All three applications remember your choice, so if you format one superscript, the next time you use that feature it will be ready.
Keyboard shortcuts for superscript and subscript
If you format superscript or subscript often, keyboard shortcuts are faster than the menu. On Mac, the standard shortcuts are:
- Superscript: Control + Command + Plus sign (+)
- Subscript: Control + Command + Minus sign (−)
These shortcuts work in Word, Pages, Google Docs, and many other text editors. To use them, type your text first, then select the character or characters you want to format, and press the shortcut. Press the same shortcut again to turn off the formatting and return to normal text.
Not every process supports these shortcuts — some older or specialized programs may not recognize them. If the shortcut does not work, fall back to the Format menu or the Character Viewer method described below.
Finding superscript and subscript in the Character Viewer
The Character Viewer is a Mac tool that lets you browse and insert special characters, including superscript and subscript numbers and letters. To open it, press Control + Command + Space (the same shortcut that opens Spotlight), then type "Character Viewer" and press Enter. Alternatively, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources, check the box for "Show Input menu in menu bar," then click the flag or input menu in your menu bar and select "Show Character Viewer."
Once the Character Viewer is open, search for "superscript" or "subscript" in the search box at the top. A list of available superscript or subscript characters will appear — numbers, letters, and symbols. Click the one you want, then click the Insert button. The character will appear wherever your cursor is positioned in your document.
This method is slower than keyboard shortcuts but works in any process, including web forms and text fields where the Format menu is not available. It is also the only way to access superscript and subscript letters (like superscript "a" or subscript "x") in most applications.
Superscript and subscript in Excel and Numbers
Excel on Mac has a dedicated superscript button in the Home tab of the ribbon at the top. Select your text, then click the superscript button (it looks like a small "x" with a raised "2"). For subscript, click the subscript button next to it (it looks like a small "x" with a lowered "2"). Both buttons are in the Font section of the ribbon.
In Apple Numbers, select the cell or text you want to format, then go to Format > Text > Superscript or Subscript in the menu bar. The same keyboard shortcuts (Control + Command + Plus and Control + Command + Minus) also work in Numbers if you prefer not to use the menu.
What happens when your font does not support superscript or subscript
Not every font includes superscript and subscript characters. If you explore superscript or subscript formatting to text in a font that does not support it, the text will shrink and move into position, but it may look wrong or use a different character than you intended. The most common fonts (Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, and system fonts like San Francisco) all support superscript and subscript, so you usually will not run into this problem.
If you are using a decorative or specialized font and the superscript or subscript looks odd, try switching to a standard font first. Select the text, change the font through Format > Font, and then explore the superscript or subscript formatting. If the result still looks wrong, the font itself may not have those characters available.
Copying and pasting superscript and subscript from other sources
If you find a superscript or subscript character online or in another document, you can copy and paste it directly into your Mac document. Select the character, press Command + C to copy, then click where you want it in your document and press Command + V to paste. The formatting will come with it.
This is useful when you need a specific symbol that is hard to find through the Character Viewer or when you are working in an process that does not support superscript and subscript formatting buttons. Be aware that if you paste into a different font, the character may look different or may not display at all if that font does not include it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make superscript or subscript permanent in a document template?
Yes. In Word or Pages, create a template with the superscript or subscript text already formatted, then save it as a template. Every new document you create from that template will include the formatted text. In Google Docs, you can create a document with the formatting you want, then use it as a starting point for new documents.
Why does my superscript or subscript look too small or hard to read?
The size of superscript and subscript is usually set by the process and the font. If it is too small, try increasing the font size of the entire text first, then explore superscript or subscript — the smaller version will scale up with it. You can also select the superscript or subscript text and manually increase its size through Format > Font > Size.
Do superscript and subscript work in email on Mac?
It depends on the email client. Apple Mail, Gmail, and Outlook all support superscript and subscript formatting if you use their rich text or HTML compose modes. If you are using plain text mode, the formatting will not work. Check your email settings to make sure you are composing in rich text or HTML format.
Can I use superscript or subscript in a spreadsheet formula?
No. Superscript and subscript are formatting only — they change how text looks, not what it means. If you need to calculate an exponent (like 2³), use the caret symbol (^) in your formula instead: =2^3. The result will be 8. Superscript and subscript are for display only, not for calculations.
What if the keyboard shortcut does not work in my process?
Some applications do not recognize the standard Mac keyboard shortcuts for superscript and subscript. Try the Format menu instead, or use the Character Viewer to insert the character directly. If neither works, the process may not support superscript and subscript at all — in that case, you can copy a superscript or subscript character from another source and paste it in.