Home > Google Workspace > Google Workspace How To

How To Superscript In Google Docs

Superscripting is a great way to display text above another line of text. We explain how to superscript text or symbols in Google Docs.
Last Updated on May 16, 2023
How To Superscript In Google Docs
You can trust PC Guide: Our team of experts use a combination of independent consumer research, in-depth testing where appropriate - which will be flagged as such, and market analysis when recommending products, software and services. Find out how we test here.

Superscripting is a great way to display text above another line of text.

Turning text or a number into superscript allows you to add emphasis to a particular word or phrase within a paragraph.

This is usually done by placing a symbol (such as a number sign) above the text. This method is also often used to indicate a footnote or reference text.

We take you through the steps of how to superscript text or symbols in Google Docs.

1

How To Create Superscript In Google Doc

There are a few different options when you want to create superscript text in your Google Docs document.

Step

1

Superscript With The Menu

If you want to superscript text in Google Docs, you can just use the top navigation menu.

First, highlight the text that you would like to change into superscript. This should show in blue when highlighted.

highlight text

Next, go to the menu at the top and select Format. Then click on Text, and select Superscript.

superscript submenu

When you click on Superscript, you can see that your highlighted text has become much smaller, and it’s now showing in a higher position compared to your normal text.

superscript

Superscripting can be done for one letter or a longer sentence. You can do this with normal text, numbers, or even special characters.

However, most of the time when we superscript a text, it’s used in references and footnotes, which are often just Roman numerals or other single characters.

Step

2

Superscript With Shortcut

The faster way of creating superscript text is by using a specific keyboard shortcut combination when you work in Google Docs.

The superscript keyboard shortcut in Google Docs is simply Ctrl +.

When you press these three keys at the same time, then your character or text will immediately turn into a superscript.

Step

3

Superscript With Special Characters

A slightly more complex way is to add superscripts with the help of Google’s special characters chart.

You don’t need to highlight any text for this. Just go into the top menu and select Insert. Then click on Special characters.

Superscript With Special Characters

You should now see a new window pop up showing different special characters. The easiest way to find the superscript is by typing Superscript into the search bar.

This will show you a list of all the available superscript characters in Google Docs.

Superscript With Special Characters

Simply choose any of the displayed options, and it will add the superscripted character into your Google document.

Superscript With Special Characters

The disadvantage with this method is that there is only a limited number of superscript characters available.

You can create an endless number of superscription text and characters when you use either the shortcut or the menu method explained above.

2

How To Revert Superscript To Normal Text In Google Docs

This tutorial will show you how to revert superscript to normal text in Google Docs:

Step

1

Keyboard Shortcut

The easiest way to undo or revert a superscript to normal text in Google Docs is by pressing the keyboard combination Ctrl +.

This will instantly turn your superscript back into a normal character.

Step

2

Revert Superscript

Alternatively, you can also use the menu option. So, highlight your superscript text, go into the top menu, and select Format.

Then click Text and select Superscript.

revert superscript

You should now see that your superscripted character is displayed as normal text again.

normal text

Conclusion

Superscripting is one of the most useful tools in writing documents. It allows you to easily reference something in your document without having to write out the whole thing.

Superscript text and characters also don’t take up as much space in your document as normal text because it’s much smaller.

This makes it stand out from the rest of the text, and when you’re writing a thesis or dissertation, then you can easily emphasize part of your work with superscripts.

Andrew is one of three co-founders of BGFG, the parent company of PC Guide. A keen gamer and PC enthusiast, Andrew dabbles in a bit of writing sometimes - when he gets the chance to!