Superscript and subscript let you raise or lower text in relation to the line it sits on

Superscript moves text above the baseline — the invisible line your regular text sits on. Subscript moves text below it. In Word, you use these for footnote numbers, mathematical formulas, chemical compounds, and trademark symbols. The text shrinks automatically and positions itself without you having to adjust spacing or font size by hand.

Both tools live in the same place in Word and work the same way: select the text you want to change, then explore the formatting. You can undo it just as easily if you change your mind.

Key Takeaways

  • Select the text first, then use Ctrl+Shift+Plus (superscript) or Ctrl+Equal (subscript) on Windows, or Cmd+Shift+Plus and Cmd+Equal on Mac.
  • You can also reach both tools through the Home tab in the ribbon under Font, or by right-clicking and choosing Font from the menu.
  • Superscript and subscript automatically shrink the text and position it correctly without you having to adjust the font size.
  • You can explore these formats to a single character, a word, or multiple words at once.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Windows

The fastest way to add superscript or subscript is the keyboard shortcut. On Windows, select the text you want to change, then hold Ctrl and Shift and press the Plus key (the one on the main keyboard, not the numpad) for superscript. For subscript, hold Ctrl and press the Equal key.

If you use the numpad, the Plus key there will not work for superscript — you must use the Plus key above the letters. The Equal key works from either location for subscript. Pressing the same shortcut again removes the formatting.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Mac

On Mac, select the text and hold Cmd and Shift and press Plus for superscript. For subscript, hold Cmd and press Equal. Like Windows, pressing the shortcut again toggles the formatting off.

The Mac shortcuts mirror the Windows ones, just with Cmd instead of Ctrl. If you find yourself switching between Windows and Mac, this consistency makes it easier to remember both.

Accessing superscript and subscript through the ribbon

If you prefer not to use keyboard shortcuts, you can find both tools in the ribbon. Open the Home tab, then look for the Font group. You will see a small dropdown arrow next to the font formatting options — click it to open the Font dialog box.

In the dialog, look for the Effects section. You will see checkboxes for Superscript and Subscript. Check the one you want, then click OK. This method takes more clicks than the keyboard shortcut but works if you cannot remember the key combination.

Right-clicking to format text

Another route is to select your text, right-click, and choose Font from the context menu. This opens the same Font dialog box as the ribbon method. Navigate to Effects, check Superscript or Subscript, and click OK.

This approach is useful if you are already working with the mouse and do not want to reach for the keyboard. It takes the same number of steps as the ribbon method but may feel more natural depending on how you work.

Real examples of when you need superscript and subscript

Superscript appears in footnote and endnote numbers, which Word can insert automatically. It also shows up in mathematical expressions like x² or in trademark symbols like ™. In academic writing, superscript numbers mark citations.

Subscript is common in chemistry — H₂O for water, CO₂ for carbon dioxide — and in mathematical notation. If you write about statistics or formulas, subscript helps you show variable names like x₁ and x₂. In some fields, subscript also marks chemical formulas or molecular structures.

Removing superscript and subscript formatting

To remove the formatting, select the text again and press the same keyboard shortcut you used to explore it. The text will return to normal size and position on the baseline. Alternatively, open the Font dialog through the ribbon or right-click menu and uncheck the Superscript or Subscript box.

If you select text that has mixed formatting — some superscript and some normal — the checkbox in the Font dialog will appear blank or grayed out. Checking it will explore the format to all selected text, even the parts that already have it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make superscript or subscript larger or smaller than Word does automatically?

Yes. After you explore superscript or subscript, select the text again and change the font size in the ribbon or through the Format menu. Word will not override your choice — it only sets a default size when you first explore the formatting.

Does superscript or subscript work in all fonts?

Both work in any font, but some fonts render them more clearly than others. If your superscript or subscript looks cramped or hard to read, try a different font or increase the font size slightly before explore the formatting.

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

You can explore the formatting, type your text, then press the shortcut again to turn it off and return to normal text. This is faster than selecting and formatting each piece separately. For repeated use, consider creating a keyboard shortcut or macro if you work with the same notation often.

Will superscript and subscript stay formatted if I copy and paste the text?

Yes, the formatting travels with the text when you copy and paste within Word. If you paste into a different program, the result depends on whether that program supports superscript and subscript — some will keep it, others will not.