What is the difference between subscript and superscript?
Subscript is below the line (H₂O). Superscript is above (x²). They are opposites of each other. Pick the mode on our generator before you copy.
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Mixing them up in a lab report is a common mistake: chemistry uses subscript atom counts; exponents and footnotes use superscript.
What Is a Subscript?
A subscript shows something attached to the bottom of a symbol. Examples:
- Chemistry: H₂O, CO₂ (the 2 is subscript)
- Math: x₁, x₂ (indices)
- Physics: v₀ (initial values)
People often ask what is a subscript when writing lab reports or homework. Unicode subscript lets you copy and paste these symbols without special software. More digits: subscript numbers & symbols.
What Is Superscript?
Superscript raises text above the line. Examples:
- Exponents: x², 10³
- Footnote markers: word¹
- Units: m², cm³
Read our dedicated guide: what is superscript, copy tables on superscript numbers copy paste, or use the live superscript generator.
Opposite of subscript and opposite of superscript
- Opposite of subscript: superscript (above the line).
- Opposite of superscript: subscript (below the line).
If you typed H₂O with a raised 2 by mistake, switch to Subscript on the tool and regenerate. If you need x² and typed a lowered 2, switch to Superscript.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Subscript | Superscript | |
|---|---|---|
| Position | Below the baseline | Above the baseline |
| Common use | Chemistry, indices | Powers, footnotes, units |
| Examples | CO₂, H₂O, x₁ | x², E=mc², ¹, m² |
| Opposite | Superscript | Subscript |
| Quick paste | Subscript generator | Superscript generator |
Example of subscript and superscript
| Plain text | As subscript | As superscript |
|---|---|---|
| H2O | H₂O (correct for water) | H²O (wrong for chemistry) |
| x2 | x₂ (index) | x² (squared) |
| CO2 | CO₂ | CO² (usually wrong) |
| 1 | ₁ | ¹ (footnote) |
Same digit, different meaning—choose the mode that matches your subject.
When you need both in one line
Some formulas mix both: for example ions with charges (Na⁺ uses superscript) next to compounds with subscript counts (H₂O). Generate each piece in the correct mode on the tool, or use Formula mode for chemistry-style numbers, then paste the pieces together in Word or Docs.
Rule of thumb: atom counts and indices → subscript; powers, charges, and footnote markers → superscript.
One Tool for Both
Use the subscript generator for chemistry (H₂O) and the superscript generator for exponents (x²). Each page is a live converter. Unicode ranges (for example U+2080–U+2099 for many subscript numbers) travel as plain text. For professional publishing, follow your style guide.
App-specific shortcuts: Word · Google Docs. Limits and site background: About Us.
Related Guides
Quick Answers
Example of subscript and superscript? H₂O / CO₂ (subscript) vs x² / footnote ¹ (superscript).
In chemistry? Subscript for atom counts; superscript for charges, not atom counts.
Difference? Subscript below (H₂O); superscript above (x²).
Opposite of subscript? Superscript.
Opposite of superscript? Subscript.
Which page should I use? Chemistry → subscript generator. Exponents/footnotes → superscript generator. Tiny social letters → small text generator.