The subscript shortcut key is Ctrl + = in Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. Select the character, such as the 2 in H2O, press the keys, and it drops slightly below the line in a smaller size. Pressing Ctrl + = again turns it off.
Its partner, superscript, adds Shift: Ctrl + Shift + Plus. Students use subscript for chemical formulas and maths variables like x1 and x2, and teachers for worksheets and question papers. Physics notes use it too, for symbols such as v0 for starting speed, and economics for time periods such as Y1 and Y2.
Quick facts
Subscript
Ctrl + =Superscript
Ctrl + Shift + PlusTurn off
Ctrl + = againExcel
Ctrl + 1, Alt + BWord, any subscript digit
Code, then Alt + XMac
Command + =
Subscript shortcut key in each program
| Program | Keys |
|---|---|
| Word, Outlook | Ctrl + = |
| PowerPoint | Ctrl + = |
| Excel | Ctrl + 1, then Alt + B, then Enter |
| Word for Mac | Command + = |
How to type H2O with the subscript shortcut
- Type H2O normally.
- Put the cursor after the 2 and press Shift + Left to select only the 2.
- Press Ctrl + =. The 2 drops below the line.
- Press End to move on; the rest of your typing stays normal.
To type a whole formula fast, switch subscript on with Ctrl + = just before the number, type it, and press Ctrl + = again before the next letter.
Subscript in Excel
In a cell, press F2, select the characters to lower, press Ctrl + 1 and then Alt + B to tick Subscript, and press Enter. Use this for labels and headings only, because a cell with partly lowered characters is treated as text and will not calculate. The superscript method is the same with Alt + E; see superscript shortcut key.
Subscript characters that work anywhere
Formatting is lost when you paste into a plain text box such as a web form or chat. For those, use real subscript characters. In Word, type 2082 and press Alt + X to get a subscript 2 (2080 to 2089 cover the digits 0 to 9), then copy it. The Windows symbol panel (Win + .) also lists them under symbols.
When subscript does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Text becomes smaller instead | Ctrl + [ shrinks the font; use the = key |
| Nothing happens | Select the characters first, or the program does not support it |
| Formatting lost after pasting | The target is plain text; use subscript characters |
| Whole word dropped | Select only the number before pressing the keys |
Subscript in PowerPoint and equations
PowerPoint uses the same Ctrl + = inside a text box. For proper maths, such as fractions and powers together, Word and PowerPoint have an equation editor: press Alt + = in Word to insert an equation box, then type x_1 and press Space; the underscore turns the next character into a subscript automatically. Typing x^2 does the same for superscript. This is faster than formatting each character when a worksheet has many formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Which key combination makes subscript?
What is the shortcut for subscript in Word?
How do I subscript in Excel?
Press F2, select the characters, then Ctrl + 1, Alt + B and Enter.
What is the subscript shortcut on a Mac?
How do I keep subscript when pasting into a website?
Use Unicode subscript characters instead of formatting.
What is the difference between subscript and superscript?
Subscript sits below the line, superscript above it.