How to Do Subscript and Superscript in Google Docs (3 Methods)

Subscript sits text below the line, as in H₂O. Superscript raises it, as in x² or 1st. Google Docs gives you a menu option, a keyboard shortcut and true Unicode characters for both.

Methods in this guide:

• Use the Format menu
• Use keyboard shortcuts
• Insert special characters

Applying subscript or superscript from the Format menu

Use this when you don’t remember the shortcut or format text only now and then.

1. Select the characters you want to change, such as the 2 in H2O.
2. Click Format > Text.
3. Click Subscript or Superscript.

Result: The selected characters shrink and move below or above the line. Repeat the steps to turn the formatting off.

You can also apply it before you type: choose Superscript, type the characters, then choose it again to return to normal text.

Using keyboard shortcuts for subscript and superscript

Use this when you format chemical formulas, exponents or ordinal numbers often.

These are from Google’s official keyboard shortcuts for Google Docs.

1. Select the text, or place the cursor where you are about to type.
2. Press Ctrl + , (Cmd + , on Mac) for subscript, or Ctrl + . (Cmd + . on Mac) for superscript.
3. Press the same keys again to return to normal text.

Result: The text switches format instantly. Both shortcuts are toggles.

Tip: As the video notes, a shortcut sometimes seems to need two presses. Because it is a toggle, a first press can switch off formatting that was already on. Watch the text, not the key count.

Inserting subscript and superscript special characters

Use this when the characters must stay raised or lowered even after you copy them into a plain-text field, such as a form, email subject or spreadsheet.

1. Click Insert > Symbols > Special characters.
2. In the search box, type a keyword such as superscript two or subscript two. You can also enter a Unicode value, such as 00B2 for ² or 2082 for ₂.
3. Click the character to insert it.

Result: You get a real Unicode character, not formatted text. Google’s guide to inserting special characters explains the categories and search options.

Unicode only has superscript and subscript versions of digits, some letters and a few signs. For anything else, use formatting or an equation.

Comparing the methods

Platform differences

• Windows and ChromeOS: use Ctrl + , and Ctrl + ..
• Mac: use Cmd + , and Cmd + ..
• Android, iPhone and iPad: text formatting lives under Format (the A icon) in the Docs app. If you don’t see superscript or subscript there, apply it on a computer.
• Equations: inside an equation box, the shortcuts above don’t apply. Type ^ for superscript and _ for subscript instead, as described in how to write math equations in Google Docs.

Troubleshooting subscript and superscript

• The shortcut does nothing: a browser extension or keyboard layout may use the same keys. Use Format > Text instead, or try another browser profile.
• Everything after the number is raised: you didn’t toggle superscript off. Press the shortcut again, then keep typing.
• Formatting is lost after copying into another app: plain-text fields drop formatting. Use special characters instead.
• You are numbering footnotes by hand: don’t superscript the numbers yourself. Use Insert > Footnote, or Ctrl + Alt + F (Cmd + Option + F on Mac), so Docs renumbers them automatically.

For a box around a formula or note, see how to add a page border in Google Docs. Converting a full paper with notation? Read how to convert LaTeX to Google Docs. More formatting help is in the Google Docs guides.