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How do you add subscript or superscript in Google Docs?

Two ways: Use Format → Text → Subscript/Superscript (Ctrl + , / Ctrl + . on Windows; ⌘ + , / ⌘ + . on Mac), or paste Unicode CO₂ and x² from our generator.

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Built-in formatting stays in the Doc until export. Unicode is plain text—it survives copy into Gmail, Slides, Word, or WhatsApp. That is why many students search how to type subscript in Google Docs and still end up pasting finished symbols.

Paste H₂O or x² into Docs in seconds

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Method 1: Format Menu (Best for Beginners)

This is the clearest way to make subscript in Google Docs if you do not remember shortcuts.

  1. Open your document in Google Docs.
  2. Type the formula in plain text (for example H2O or x2).
  3. Select only the character that should move (the 2).
  4. Click Format in the top menu.
  5. Choose Text, then Subscript or Superscript.

Apply the same path again to turn formatting off before you continue typing normal text. This changes only the selected characters and works well for short formulas in one document.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows, Chromebook, Mac)

Select the text first, then use the shortcut. These are the fastest way for frequent edits.

ActionWindows / ChromebookMac
SubscriptCtrl + , (comma)⌘ + , (comma)
SuperscriptCtrl + . (period)⌘ + . (period)

Note: Word uses different keys (Ctrl + = / Ctrl + Shift + =). If you switch between Word and Docs often, keep this table handy—or paste Unicode so you do not rely on either shortcut set. Full Word steps: subscript in Word.

Method 3: Paste Unicode (CO₂, H₂O, x²)

When you need characters that stay subscript or superscript after you copy to email, chat, Slides, or another app, use our subscript and superscript generator:

  1. Type plain text like CO2, H2O, or x2 on the generator.
  2. Pick Subscript or Superscript; for chemistry use Formula mode and Numbers Only: On.
  3. Click Copy, then paste into Google Docs (Ctrl + V / ⌘ + V).

This matches how people search for how to write CO₂ in Google Docs—you paste finished symbols instead of formatting digit by digit.

Examples you can paste into Docs

NeedDocs formattingUnicode result
WaterH2O → Format → Subscript on 2H₂O
CO₂CO2 → Subscript on 2CO₂
Squared / areax2 or m2 → Superscript on 2x² / m²
E=mc²Superscript the final 2E=mc²
Footnote ¹Superscript the 1¹

More chem paste strings: CO₂ and H₂O copy paste. Raised numbers: superscript copy paste or the live superscript generator.

Common mistakes

  • Formatting the whole word: Select only the digit (the 2 in H2O), not H2O entire.
  • Using Word shortcuts in Docs: Ctrl + = is Word, not Docs. Docs uses Ctrl + , and Ctrl + .
  • Expecting formatting to survive chat: Docs subscript can look normal after paste into WhatsApp—use Unicode from the generator instead.

Google Docs on phone or tablet

  1. Open the Google Docs app and select the digit or letter to format.
  2. Tap the format icon (often an A with lines).
  3. Look under text options for Subscript or Superscript.

If the mobile menu is hard to find on your version, generate Unicode on the phone browser with our tool, copy, and paste into the Doc—that path works the same on mobile and desktop.

Common Questions

How do I type subscript in Google Docs? Format → Text → Subscript, or Ctrl + , (⌘ + , on Mac), or paste from the generator.

How do I make superscript in Google Docs? Format → Text → Superscript, or Ctrl + . (⌘ + . on Mac), or paste from the superscript generator.

Phone? Docs app → select text → format (A) → subscript/superscript, or paste Unicode.

Docs formatting vs Unicode? Formatting lives in the Doc; Unicode travels as plain text to Gmail, Slides, chat, and Word.

H₂O / CO₂? Subscript the 2 in Docs, or paste ready Unicode from the tool.

Need CO₂ or x² in Seconds?

Use the free generator, then paste into Google Docs or any app.

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