How to do superscript in Google Docs
Raise text above the line in Google Docs with the Format menu. Select the characters, choose Superscript, and get clean exponents, ordinals and formulas.
Quick answer
Select the characters you want raised, open the Format menu, point to Text, and choose Superscript. The selected characters rise above the line, which suits footnote markers, ordinal numbers, and formulas such as E = mc2. The Superscript menu item also shows its keyboard shortcut on Mac, ⌘.
Steps at a glance
- Select the character to raise.
- Open the Format menu.
- Point to Text.
- Choose Superscript.
- Check the raised character.
Interactive demo
Summary
Superscript lifts characters above the baseline of a line of text. In Google Docs you apply it from the Format menu, so exponents, ordinals and formula terms look right without any special symbols.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Select the character to raise
In your document, select only the characters that should sit above the line. In this example, select the 2 at the end of E = mc2. Leave the rest of the line unselected, because the format applies to everything highlighted.
Step 2
Open the Format menu
In the menu bar at the top of the page, click Format. A list of formatting options opens below it, and your selection stays highlighted in the document.
Step 3
Point to Text
In the Format menu, point to Text. A submenu opens beside it with the character styles, including Bold, Italic, Underline, Strikethrough, Small caps, Superscript and Subscript.
Step 4
Choose Superscript
In the Text submenu, click Superscript. The menu item shows its keyboard shortcut next to it, which on Mac is ⌘. so you can skip the menus next time.
Step 5
Check the raised character
Click elsewhere in the document to clear the selection. The 2 now sits above the line, so the text reads as E = mc2 with the exponent raised.
Why this matters
You are writing a formula like E = mc2 or a date like 1st of March, and the number or suffix sits flat on the line. Applying superscript makes it read correctly in seconds, so the document looks finished and professional.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Superscript option in Google Docs?
It is in the Format menu, under Text. The submenu lists Superscript next to Subscript.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for superscript?
On Mac, the Superscript menu item shows ⌘. as its shortcut. Select your characters first, then use the shortcut instead of the menu.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to strikethrough in Google DocsLearn how to add strikethrough text in Google Docs using the Format menu or keyboard shortcut, and how to remove it afterwards.
How to highlight text in Google DocsLearn how to highlight text in Google Docs: select your words, open Highlight color in the toolbar, pick yellow or another color, and check the result.
How to add a checklist in Google DocsTurn a list of tasks into a Google Docs checklist with the Format menu, then click each checkbox to tick items off as you finish them.
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