Superscript text sits slightly above the normal line in a smaller size, like the 2 in x² or the “th” in 5ᵗʰ. Word makes it easy to add with a button or keyboard shortcut, and the same tools handle subscript text that sits below the line, like the 2 in H₂O. This guide covers every way to add superscript in Word on Windows and Mac, plus footnotes, ordinals, and fixing spacing problems.
Quick answer
Select the text and press Ctrl + Shift + = (plus sign) on Windows or Command + Shift + = on a Mac. You can also click the x² button in the Font group on the Home tab. Press the same shortcut again to switch back to normal text.
Method 1: Keyboard shortcut
- Select the character or characters you want to raise.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + = on Windows or Command + Shift + = on Mac.
To type in superscript as you go, press the shortcut, type the superscript text, then press the shortcut again to return to normal text. For subscript, use Ctrl + = on Windows or Command + = on Mac.
Method 2: The Superscript button
- Select the text.
- On the Home tab, in the Font group, click Superscript (the x² icon).
The x₂ button right next to it applies subscript.
Method 3: The Font dialog
- Select the text and press Ctrl + D (Command + D on Mac) to open the Font dialog.
- Under Effects, check Superscript.
- Click OK.
Fine-tune the position
If you want text raised without shrinking it, open the Font dialog, click the Advanced tab, set Position to Raised, and choose how many points to raise it. This is handy for logos, special formatting, or matching a style guide.
Insert superscript symbols
Some common superscript numbers exist as their own characters, which keep their position even if formatting is cleared:
- ² (squared): hold Alt and type 0178 on the number pad.
- ³ (cubed): hold Alt and type 0179.
- ¹: hold Alt and type 0185.
You can also find these and more under Insert > Symbol > More Symbols. See how to insert symbols in Word.
Automatic superscripts
Ordinals (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Word can automatically raise the letters in ordinals as you type. To turn this on or off, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type and check or uncheck Ordinals (1st) with superscript.
Footnotes and endnotes
Don’t type footnote numbers by hand. Go to References > Insert Footnote. Word adds a superscript number in the text and the matching note at the bottom of the page, and renumbers everything automatically if you add or delete notes.
Trademark and copyright
Typing (tm) inserts ™ automatically. For a Mac-specific method, see how to insert a trademark symbol in Word on a Mac.
Math and science
For exponents in formulas, use Insert > Equation (or Alt + =). In the equation editor, type x^2 and press the spacebar to create a properly formatted exponent. Equations keep everything aligned, which is better than manual superscript for complex math.
Superscript in other Office apps
- PowerPoint and Outlook: The same shortcuts work: Ctrl + Shift + = for superscript and Ctrl + = for subscript.
- Excel: There’s no shortcut. Double-click the cell, select the characters, press Ctrl + 1 to open Format Cells, and check Superscript on the Font tab. This only works for text, not numbers used in formulas.
Common uses for superscript
- Exponents and units, like m² and 10⁶
- Ordinal numbers, like 1st and 22nd
- Citation and footnote markers
- Trademark (™) and service mark (℠) symbols
- Chemical charges, like Ca²⁺
Some style guides, such as many news and legal styles, prefer ordinals without superscript. Check which style your school or organization follows.
Fix uneven line spacing
Superscript text can push a line slightly lower, leaving uneven gaps. To fix it, select the paragraph, open Paragraph settings, and set Line spacing to Exactly with a value that fits your font size, or use the Raised position option instead of superscript.
Related: How to use superscript in Google Docs.
Related: Put a line over a letter in Word.
Related: Insert a square symbol in Word on a Mac.
Frequently asked questions
Why doesn’t the shortcut work?
Make sure you’re pressing the equals/plus key on the main keyboard, not the number pad. Some keyboard layouts or other apps can also intercept the shortcut. Use the x² button instead.
How do I remove superscript?
Select the text and press the shortcut again, or press Ctrl + Space to clear all character formatting.
Can I make superscript the default for certain words?
Yes. Format the word once, select it, and add it as an AutoCorrect entry with Formatted text selected. Word will insert it with superscript formatting whenever you type the shortcut you choose.
Can I use superscript in Word for the web?
Yes. The x² button is on the Home tab, and the keyboard shortcuts work too.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.