How to type superscript numbers and letters

Rich-text formatting vs true Unicode superscripts

Before typing superscripts, it is essential to understand the difference between visual formatting and true Unicode characters:

• Visual formatting (Rich text): Software like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and web browsers shrink normal characters and shift them upward using formatting tags (like HTML <sup>). When you copy formatted text into a plain-text app, SMS, YouTube comment, or Instagram bio, the styling strips away, leaving ordinary numbers like “x2” instead of “x²”.
• True Unicode characters: Unicode encodes dedicated superscript characters, such as ² (U+00B2) and ³ (U+00B3). These are independent characters with their own code points. They remain elevated in any app, browser, spreadsheet, or social media bio without requiring rich text.

1. In Microsoft Word and Outlook

Microsoft Word makes toggling superscript styling seamless:

• Keyboard shortcut: Select your text (or position your cursor) and press Ctrl + Shift + + (the plus key). Type your numbers, then press Ctrl + Shift + + again to return to normal text.
• Ribbon button: On the Home tab, in the Font group, click the X² button.
• Font dialog: Press Ctrl + D to open the Font settings window, check the Superscript box, and click OK.

On Mac versions of Word, the shortcut is Command + Shift + +.

2. In Google Docs and Google Slides

Google Docs features built-in superscript hotkeys for both desktop platforms:

• Windows & Chromebook: Press Ctrl + . (period).
• Mac: Press Command + . (period).
• Menu navigation: Highlight the text, click Format > Text > Superscript.

Pressing the shortcut a second time toggles superscript mode off so you can continue typing regular prose. For subscript (numbers placed below the baseline, like in H₂O), press Ctrl + , (comma) or Command + ,.

3. Windows Alt codes for Unicode superscripts

If you want real Unicode superscripts that maintain their elevated position anywhere on Windows, use these numeric keypad Alt codes:

Visit our dedicated reference pages for the squared symbol (²) and cubed symbol (³) for detailed keystrokes across platforms.

4. Complete Unicode superscript characters to copy

Numbers from 4 through 9 and letters do not have standard Windows Alt codes because they reside in the Superscripts and Subscripts Unicode block (U+2070–U+209F). You can copy them directly from this reference grid:

Browse our complete catalog of raised and lowered glyphs in the superscript and subscript symbols collection, or generate full sentences of elevated text using our tiny text generator.

5. Scientific notation, chemical isotopes, and mobile devices

In chemistry and nuclear physics, superscripts identify mass numbers and ionic charge states. For example, carbon-14 is written as ¹⁴C, helium-4 as ⁴He, and the sulfate polyatomic ion as SO₄²⁻. Using real Unicode characters ensures formulas stay perfectly intact even when transmitted through chat channels, SMS, or plain text code editors.

On mobile phones, typing superscripts varies by operating system. On Android devices running Gboard, switch to the numeric layout (?123) and press and hold any number key: a pop-up appears letting you choose its superscript equivalent (such as holding 2 to output ²). On Apple iPhones, iOS does not offer a long-press exponent popup; the recommended technique is setting up text replacements in Settings or copying glyphs directly from SymbolHub.

6. In HTML and CSS

Web developers can style text using the semantic HTML <sup> element:

<p>Einstein's equation is E = mc<sup>2</sup>.</p>

In CSS, control elevation and size manually using vertical-align: super; font-size: smaller;. However, for standalone mathematical formulas or SEO-sensitive meta tags where tags are prohibited, using the raw Unicode character E = mc² is often preferred because it avoids layout shifting and line-height disruption.