The quickest way to add subscript

To type subscript in Word, select the text or number you want to make smaller and raised, then press Ctrl + = (on Windows) or Cmd + = (on Mac). The text shrinks and moves down below the baseline immediately. Press the same keys again to turn subscript off and return to normal text.

This keyboard shortcut works in Microsoft Word on both desktop and web versions. If the shortcut does not work on your keyboard, your keyboard layout or accessibility settings may be blocking it — try the menu method instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Press Ctrl + = (Windows) or Cmd + = (Mac) to make selected text subscript, and press the same keys again to turn it off.
  • The Home tab in the ribbon contains subscript and superscript buttons if keyboard shortcuts do not work on your device.
  • Subscript makes text smaller and lowers it below the baseline, commonly used for chemical formulas like H₂O and footnote numbers.
  • You can turn subscript on before typing to make everything you type subscript until you turn it off again.

Using the ribbon menu if the keyboard shortcut does not work

Open the Home tab at the top of Word. On the right side of the ribbon, you will see a small dropdown arrow next to the font formatting buttons. Click the small arrow next to the "A" with an underline to reveal more options, or look for the subscript button directly — it looks like a small "x" with a number below it.

Click the subscript button once to turn it on. Any text you select or type from that point will be subscript. Click it again to turn subscript off. This method works the same way on Windows and Mac versions of Word.

Typing subscript before you write the text

You do not have to select text first. If you want to type subscript as you go, press Ctrl + = (or Cmd + =) to turn subscript mode on, then type your text. Everything you type will appear as subscript until you press the same keys again to turn it off.

This is useful when you are writing a chemical formula or mathematical expression and know in advance which parts need to be subscript. Type the main text, turn subscript on, type the subscript portion, then turn it off and continue with normal text.

Common uses for subscript in documents

Subscript is most common in scientific and mathematical writing. Chemical formulas like H₂O (water) and CO₂ (carbon dioxide) use subscript for the numbers. In mathematics, subscript appears in sequences like x₁, x₂, x₃ to show different variables in a series.

Subscript also appears in footnote and endnote references, though Word usually handles these automatically when you insert a footnote through the References tab. Some academic writing uses subscript for citations or variable names in equations.

The difference between subscript and superscript

Subscript makes text smaller and lowers it below the baseline (the line text sits on). Superscript makes text smaller and raises it above the baseline. Superscript is used for exponents (2³ means 2 to the power of 3), trademark symbols, and footnote numbers in some styles.

The keyboard shortcut for superscript is Ctrl + Shift + = (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + = (Mac). Both subscript and superscript buttons sit next to each other in the Home ribbon, so you can switch between them easily if you need both in the same document.

Subscript in Word Online versus desktop Word

The keyboard shortcuts work the same in Word Online (the free version you access through your browser) and desktop Word. If you are using Word Online and the shortcut does not work, click the Home tab, then look for the subscript button in the formatting toolbar. It may be hidden under a "More" menu depending on your screen size.

Some older versions of Word or non-English keyboard layouts may not recognize the = key as part of the shortcut. If this happens, use the ribbon menu instead — it works on every version and every language setting.

Removing subscript from existing text

Select the subscript text and press Ctrl + = (or Cmd + =) again. The text returns to normal size and baseline position. You can also select the text and click the subscript button in the Home ribbon to toggle it off.

If you have a large section of subscript text that needs to be normal, select all of it at once and use the keyboard shortcut or button to remove the formatting from everything in one action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ctrl + = not work on my keyboard?

Some keyboard layouts, especially non-English ones, may not have the = key in the same place or may require a modifier key to type it. Try using the Home ribbon instead: click the subscript button directly. If you use a laptop without a dedicated number pad, you may need to hold Fn while pressing the keys.

Can I make subscript the default for a paragraph?

You can turn subscript on and type, but it does not stay on as a default for future paragraphs. Each time you press Enter to start a new paragraph, subscript turns off. You have to turn it back on for each new section that needs it.

Does subscript work in all fonts?

Most fonts support subscript, but some decorative or specialty fonts may not display it correctly. If subscript looks wrong or does not appear, try changing to a standard font like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman to see if the issue is the font itself.

What if I need subscript in a table or text box?

The keyboard shortcut and ribbon button work the same way inside tables and text boxes. Select the text you want to make subscript and use Ctrl + = or click the subscript button, just as you would in regular document text.