How to Do Subscript and Superscript in Word

If you're writing a paper involving equations or scientific formulas, chances are you're going to need superscripts and subscripts.

Once you know how to add a superscript and subscript in Microsoft Word, it will make your work flow so much faster. Plus, it looks much more professional than the work-around options (for example, X^2).

Superscript in Word

A superscript is a character, symbol or number set slightly above the normal line of text. It is always smaller than the usual font and is typically found in mathematical or scientific formulas.

If you need a superscript in your Word document, here's how to go about it.

Step 1: Place cursor where you want the superscript to go.

Click where you'd like the superscript to appear. If you already typed what you want in the superscript, highlight that number, character or symbol. 

Step 2: Click the X² button

You can find the superscript button on the 'Home' tab. It's located near all the font options.

Step 3: Type your superscript

Type whatever you want to be included in your superscript. It should immediately be set above the normal text line and be smaller.

Step 4: Exit out of superscript

If you keep typing, everything will remain in the superscript. To get out of that mode, click on the superscript button again.

Subscript in Word

A subscript is a character, symbol or number set slightly below the normal line of text. It is always smaller than the usual font and is typically found in mathematical or scientific formulas.

If you need a subscript in you Word document, here's how to do it. 

Step 1: Place cursor where you want the subscript to go.

Click where you'd like the subscript to appear. If you already typed what you want in the superscript, highlight that number, character or symbol. 

Step 2: Click the X₂ button

You can find the subscript button on the 'Home' tab. It's located near all the font option.

Step 3: Type your subscript

Type whatever you want to be included in your subscript. It should immediately be set above the normal text line and be smaller.

Step 4: Exit out of subscript

If you keep typing, everything will remain in the subscript. To get out of that mode, click on the subscript button again