How to use superscript and subscript in Word

In Microsoft Word you can subscribe and superscribe numbers and letters by following some simple steps. With subscript, you can add numbers or letters below the regular text line, with superscript you can put them above the text line.

How to use superscript in Word

Sometimes you may need numbers and letters above the text line. Here you can find a tutorial using Word 2019 as an example.

1. In Word, highlight the numbers or letters you want to superscribe.
2. The x² icon is located under “Home” in the “Font” area. By clicking on it, the selected characters are superscribed.
3. Alternatively, you can click on the icon before you write the number to be superscribed. Word will then superscribe everything written afterwards until you click the icon again.
4. The shortcut [CTRL] + [+] works the same way. This allows you to activate the option before you insert the numbers and letters you want to superscribe.

How to use subscript in Word

If you want to display numbers and letters below the text line you can subscribe them in a few easy steps.

1. In Word, highlight the numbers or letters you want to subscribe.
2. The X₂ icon is located under “Home” in the “Font” area. By clicking on it, the selected characters are subscribed.
3. Alternatively, you can click on the icon before you write the number or letter to be subscribed. Word will then subscribe everything written afterwards until you click the icon again.
4. The shortcut [CTRL] + [#] works the same way. This allows you to activate the option before you insert the numbers and letters you want to subscribe.