How to Add a Superscript or Subscript in Google Docs

Whether you are writing a complex mathematical equation, adding trademark symbols to a brand name, or citing sources using footnotes, you will often need text that sits slightly above or below the normal text line. These formatting options are called superscript and subscript.

Google Docs includes built-in tools to quickly format any character, word, or number into either style without messing up the line spacing of your entire document.

In this guide, you will learn the fastest ways to add superscript and subscript text in Google Docs using both the menu and keyboard shortcuts.

How to Add Superscript

Superscript text appears slightly smaller and is raised above the baseline. It is commonly used for exponents (like E=mc²), ordinal numbers (like 1st, 2nd), and footnote references.

1. Highlight the specific text or number you want to format as superscript.
2. Click on Format in the top menu bar.
3. Hover your mouse over Text.
4. Click on Superscript in the sub-menu.

Keyboard Shortcut: To work faster, highlight the text and press Ctrl + . (Control and the period key) on Windows, or Cmd + . on Mac. Pressing the shortcut again will revert the text back to normal.

How to Add Subscript

Subscript text is placed slightly lower than the normal text baseline. You will most frequently use it for writing chemical formulas (like H₂O) or mathematical bases.

1. Highlight the text or number you want to format.
2. Click on Format in the top menu bar.
3. Hover your mouse over Text.
4. Click on Subscript in the sub-menu.

Keyboard Shortcut: Highlight the text and press Ctrl + , (Control and the comma key) on Windows, or Cmd + , on Mac. Use the shortcut a second time to turn subscript off and return to standard formatting.