The Shrinking Numbers
Google Docs utilizes a robust autocorrect system designed to improve typography. One specific feature targets ordinal numbers (like 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th). If you type a number followed by these specific letters and press the spacebar, Docs automatically formats those letters into superscript—shrinking them and raising them above the baseline (e.g., 1st). While this is considered proper typography for formal essays, it can cause significant formatting headaches. Superscript alters the line spacing of that specific paragraph, creating uneven gaps in your document, and is often strictly forbidden in specific technical writing or strict legal formats.
Disabling Ordinal Formatting
To maintain consistent text sizing and line spacing, and stop Google Docs from automatically formatting ordinal numbers into superscripts, you must turn off the specific typographical substitution.
Open any Google Doc to access the global settings. Navigate to the top menu bar, click on Tools, and select Preferences from the dropdown list. A new dialogue box will appear on your screen. Ensure you are on the General tab. Scan the list of checkboxes for the option explicitly named Use smart quotes (wait, look slightly lower). You will see a checkbox labelled Automatically use superscript for st, nd, rd, th. (This is often enabled by default). Click this box to uncheck it. Click the blue OK button to save your preferences. Your ordinal numbers will now remain standard, full-sized text.