If you want to know how to superscript numbers in Word—like writing 5² or xⁿ—there are super easy ways to do it using your keyboard, ribbon, or character formatting menu. Whether you’re a student adding footnotes or a professional formatting scientific text, superscript helps your documents look precise and polished. Let’s explore how to use this handy feature on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu 🎯.
What Is Superscript and Why Use It in Word?
Superscript is a formatting style that raises characters above the normal text line. It’s mostly used for:
- Mathematical powers (e.g., 10³)
- Footnotes (e.g., Text¹)
- Chemical formulas (e.g., Fe²⁺)
Using superscript instead of shrinking font size manually ensures consistent and professional formatting throughout your document.
How to Superscript Numbers in Word (Windows) 🪟
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open your Word document.
- Highlight the number you want to superscript.
- Go to the Home tab.
- Click the Superscript icon (x²) in the Font section.
Windows Keyboard Shortcut:
Ctrl + Shift + =
✅ Highlight the number, press Ctrl + Shift + =, and voilà—it’s superscripted!
Superscript on macOS (Mac Word) 🍏
Quick Steps:
- Highlight the number you want to superscript.
- Go to the Format menu in the top bar.
- Click Font → Check the Superscript box.
- Press OK.
macOS Shortcut:
Command + Shift + +
💡 Tip: The + here means the equal sign (=) key, not the plus on the number pad.
Superscript on Ubuntu or Linux 🐧
Since Microsoft Word doesn’t natively run on Linux, here are two practical options:
Option 1: Use Word Online
- Open Office.com and access your document.
- Highlight the number.
- Use the Superscript button in the Home ribbon.
Option 2: LibreOffice Writer
LibreOffice is a free Word alternative available on Ubuntu.
Steps in LibreOffice:
- Highlight the number.
- Click Format > Text > Superscript.
Ubuntu Keyboard Shortcut (LibreOffice):
Ctrl + Shift + P
🙌 Use this after selecting the number to apply superscript formatting instantly.
Using Unicode Superscript Numbers Without Formatting ✍️
If you’re frequently typing superscripts and want to avoid formatting, you can use Unicode characters for numbers:
| Number | Superscript |
|---|---|
| 0 | ⁰ |
| 1 | ¹ |
| 2 | ² |
| 3 | ³ |
| 4 | ⁴ |
| 5 | ⁵ |
| 6 | ⁶ |
| 7 | ⁷ |
| 8 | ⁸ |
| 9 | ⁹ |
You can copy and paste these into Word as needed. This trick is perfect for footnotes or quick annotations.
Insert Superscript Numbers Automatically with AutoCorrect ⚙️
Want Word to superscript automatically?
How to Set It Up (Windows/macOS):
- Go to File > Options > Proofing.
- Click AutoCorrect Options.
- In the Replace box, type something like
^2. - In the With box, paste
². - Click Add, then OK.
From now on, whenever you type ^2, Word will replace it with ².
Superscript Shortcuts at a Glance 📋
| OS | Shortcut | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Ctrl + Shift + = | Font > Superscript or shortcut |
| macOS | Cmd + Shift + + | Format > Font > Superscript |
| Ubuntu | Ctrl + Shift + P (LibreOffice) | Format > Text > Superscript |
| All | Use Unicode superscripts | Copy/paste characters like ², ³, ⁴ |
Troubleshooting: Superscript Not Working? 🚧
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Shortcut not working | Make sure the number is highlighted first |
| Option grayed out | Text might not be in a standard Word text area |
| Doesn’t apply in header/footer | Try formatting the number after typing it fully |
| Word freezes after shortcut | Restart Word and check for updates |
FAQs – Superscripting in Word
How can I remove superscript formatting in Word?
Highlight the number again and press the same shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + =) to toggle off.
Can I superscript multiple numbers at once?
Yes, just highlight all the numbers or text and use the shortcut or the ribbon option.
Can I create custom keyboard shortcuts in Word?
Absolutely! Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts.
Is there a way to superscript automatically in Word?
Yes, using AutoCorrect or setting up a macro to automate the formatting.
Do superscript options work in Word Online?
Yes, but with limited formatting tools. Still, the superscript button is available.
Can I superscript in Word on my phone?
Yes, in the mobile version of Word, use the formatting bar and look for the superscript “x²” icon.
Conclusion – Mastering Superscript Numbers in Word 🎓📄
Whether you’re writing equations, citations, or scientific notes, knowing how to superscript numbers in Word is essential. With easy-to-remember shortcuts for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus Unicode hacks and AutoCorrect tricks, your documents will look sharp and professional every time.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
Advertisment