The quickest way to add superscript or subscript in Word

To add superscript (small text raised above the line, like the 2 in E=mc²), select the text you want to raise, then press Ctrl+Shift+P on Windows or Cmd+Shift+P on Mac. For subscript (small text lowered below the line, like the 2 in H₂O), select the text and press Ctrl+= on Windows or Cmd+= on Mac.

If the keyboard shortcut doesn't work or you prefer using the menu, you can also find these options in the Home tab. Select your text, then click the small arrow next to the font formatting options (it looks like a tiny diagonal line in the lower right corner of the "Font" section). A dialog box opens where you can choose Superscript or Subscript from the Effects section.

Both methods work the same way in Word for Windows and Word for Mac. The keyboard shortcut is faster once you remember it, but the menu approach works if you forget the keys or prefer clicking.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl+Shift+P (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+P (Mac) to make selected text superscript.
  • Press Ctrl+= (Windows) or Cmd+= (Mac) to make selected text subscript.
  • You can also use the Home tab menu: select text, click the font dialog arrow, then choose Superscript or Subscript under Effects.
  • Superscript and subscript formatting stays with the text when you copy and paste it to other parts of your document.

Using the Format menu instead of keyboard shortcuts

If you do not remember the keyboard shortcuts or they do not work on your keyboard layout, the Format menu is reliable. Select the text you want to format, then go to Format > Text > Superscript or Format > Text > Subscript. This path works the same way in Word 2019, Word 2021, and Microsoft 365 versions.

On Mac, the path is slightly different: Format > Character, then check the Superscript or Subscript box in the dialog that opens. The result is identical — your selected text shrinks and moves to the correct position.

Removing superscript or subscript formatting

To remove superscript or subscript formatting, select the text again and press the same keyboard shortcut a second time. Pressing Ctrl+Shift+P twice will toggle superscript off. The same applies to subscript with Ctrl+= — press it once to add subscript, press it again to remove it.

If you used the menu to add the formatting, you can also use the menu to remove it. Select the text, open the Format menu, and click Superscript or Subscript again to turn it off. The text returns to normal size and position.

Common uses for superscript and subscript in documents

Superscript is most common in scientific and mathematical writing. Exponents (like 2³ for 2 to the power of 3), footnote numbers, and trademark symbols (™) all use superscript. In academic papers, superscript numbers often mark where citations appear in the text.

Subscript appears in chemistry formulas (H₂O, CO₂), mathematical notation, and chemical element references. It is also used in some technical documentation and engineering specifications. Both formats help keep documents readable while showing relationships between numbers and units that plain text cannot express clearly.

Formatting multiple pieces of text at once

If you need to add superscript or subscript to several separate pieces of text scattered through your document, you do not have to format each one individually. Select the first piece of text, apply the formatting, then hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click on the next piece of text you want to format. With multiple selections active, press the keyboard shortcut again, and it applies to all selected text at once.

This method saves time in documents with many formulas or citations. For example, if you are adding superscript to five different footnote numbers throughout a page, you can select all five at once while holding Ctrl or Cmd, then press Ctrl+Shift+P once to format them all.

What happens when you copy and paste superscript or subscript text

When you copy text that has superscript or subscript formatting and paste it elsewhere in your Word document, the formatting comes along. The text stays small and in the correct position. This also works when you paste into other programs like email or web forms, though some programs may not support the formatting and will paste as regular text instead.

If you paste superscript or subscript text into a program that does not support it, the text size and position return to normal, but the content itself remains unchanged. You can always reapply the formatting in Word if you need to move the text back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my keyboard shortcuts not work?

Some keyboard layouts, especially non-English ones, may not have the same key combinations available. Try using the Format menu instead. Also check that you have selected the text before pressing the shortcut — if nothing is selected, the shortcut will not work.

Can I make superscript or subscript text a different size?

Yes. After applying superscript or subscript formatting, select the text again and change the font size as you normally would. The text will stay in the superscript or subscript position but at whatever size you choose. Most people leave it at the default smaller size for readability.

Does superscript and subscript work in Word Online?

Yes, Word Online supports both. Select your text, then click the arrow next to the font size in the Home tab. Look for the superscript and subscript buttons in the formatting toolbar. The keyboard shortcuts may not work in the browser version, so the menu is more reliable.

What is the difference between superscript and superscript in the font dialog?

There is no difference — they are the same feature accessed through different routes. The keyboard shortcut, the Format menu, and the font dialog all produce identical results. Use whichever method is fastest for you.