How to Add Superscript in Word (2026)
Superscript raises text above the baseline (like x² or the “th” in 4th); subscript drops it below (like H₂O). Word offers buttons, shortcuts, and the Font dialog. Here’s each, plus how to insert special symbols that are already raised.
1. Use the Ribbon Buttons (Windows & Mac)
- Select the character(s).
- On the Home tab, in the Font group, click x² for superscript or x₂ for subscript.
Click the button again to turn the effect off.
2. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
- Superscript: Ctrl+Shift+= (Windows) or ⌘+Shift+= (Mac).
- Subscript: Ctrl+= (Windows) or ⌘+= (Mac).
Select the text first, or toggle the shortcut on, type, and toggle off.
3. Use the Font Dialog
For precise control:
- Select the text.
- Open the Font dialog (the arrow in the corner of the Font group, or Ctrl+D).
- Under Effects, check Superscript or Subscript.
- Click OK.
4. Word for the Web
Word for the web has superscript and subscript buttons in the Home tab’s font options, and the Ctrl+Shift+= / Ctrl+= shortcuts work the same.
5. Insert a Ready-Made Superscript Symbol
For trademark (™), degree (°), or ordinal symbols without formatting text: Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, or turn on AutoFormat so “1st” becomes “1ˢᵗ” automatically (File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > Ordinals (1st) with superscript).
6. Troubleshooting
The shortcut isn’t working
Make sure text is selected (or the cursor is where you’ll type), and that you’re using the exact combo — superscript is Ctrl+Shift+=, subscript is Ctrl+=.
My superscript is too small to read
It uses a reduced size by design. To enlarge it, select it and increase the font size manually.
Ordinals won’t auto-superscript
Enable AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type > Ordinals (1st) with superscript.
Both superscript and subscript are on
Toggle one off — applying both cancels the effect. Reapply just the one you want.
Related Word guides: How to insert a footnote · How to insert a check mark · How to add a citation · How to do a hanging indent · How to double space
Ready to automate your busywork?
Carly schedules, researches, and briefs you—so you can focus on what matters.
See what people say
"Before Carly, I relied on a Calendly link, but the whole process felt impersonal and not very professional. Carly changed that by handling all the back-and-forth, so I'm no longer stuck in endless email threads trying to line up schedules.
Now Carly reaches out to candidates, shares my real-time availability, lets them pick a slot, then sends a Zoom link and drops it straight into my calendar. She sends reminders to both of us before each call, which has significantly reduced no-shows and last-minute confusion.
On top of scheduling, Carly acts like a full executive assistant, sending me my schedule the night before so I can prepare for each call. It reminds me of the old x.ai assistant, but Carly is noticeably smarter, faster, and better suited to my healthcare recruitment business."
