How to Do Superscript and Subscript in Google Docs
Short Answer
How do you make text superscript or subscript in Google Docs?
Select the text and press Ctrl + . (period) for superscript or Ctrl + , (comma) for subscript. On a Mac, use ⌘ + . and ⌘ + ,. With the ShortieCuts extension, you can also press Alt (Option on Mac), then H 6.
Add to Chrome (14 Days Free)In ShortieCuts' key-tip menu: Home › Superscript. On a Mac, press Option instead of Alt.
Google's Built-in Shortcuts
| Command | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Superscript | Ctrl+. | ⌘+. |
| Subscript | Ctrl+, | ⌘+, |
These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension. To see Google's full list, press Ctrl + / (⌘ + / on Mac) in Google Docs.
The Word-Style ALT Shortcut
- Add the ShortieCuts extension to Chrome and open any Google Docs document.
- Select the text you want to raise or lower.
- Press Alt (or Option on Mac). Word-style key-tips appear.
- Press H, then 6. ShortieCuts runs “Superscript”.
| Keys | Also in ShortieCuts |
|---|---|
| Alt H5 | SubscriptHome key-tips |
When the ALT route helps: Word's Home-tab key-tips are Alt, H, 6 for superscript and Alt, H, 5 for subscript, and ShortieCuts brings the same pair to Google Docs.
More Google Docs How-Tos
| Keys | How To |
|---|---|
| Alt H9 | ChecklistBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + 9 |
| Alt PM | Margins |
| Alt RW | Word CountBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + C |
| Alt HAC | Align TextBuilt-in: Ctrl + Shift + E |
| Alt PO | Landscape |
| Alt RG | Suggesting ModeBuilt-in: Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X |
FAQ
What is the keyboard shortcut to make text superscript or subscript in Google Docs?
Superscript: Ctrl + . on Windows; ⌘ + . on Mac. Subscript: Ctrl + , on Windows; ⌘ + , on Mac. These are Google's own shortcuts and work without any extension.
Does Alt + H + 6 work in Google Docs?
Not on its own. Google Docs has no ribbon key-tips, so typing Alt + H + 6 there won't make text superscript or subscript. With the ShortieCuts Chrome extension installed, press Alt (Option on Mac), then H, then 6, and ShortieCuts runs its "Superscript" command.
How do I make text superscript or subscript in Google Docs on a Mac?
On a Mac, use Google's shortcut: ⌘ + . (Superscript). With ShortieCuts, press Option instead of Alt, then H, then 6.
Is ShortieCuts free?
ShortieCuts has a free 14-day trial with no credit card needed. After the trial, Pro is $7.99 a month or $69.99 a year.