How To Subscript and Superscript In Google Sheets (Easy!)

If you are working on a spreadsheet involving equations or scientific formulas, chances are you’re going to need superscripts and subscripts.

Unfortunately, adding superscript and subscript format in Google Sheets is not straightforward unlike in Google Docs.

It is quite understandable since Google Docs is a Word processor while Google Sheets is a spreadsheet tool, which mostly deals with data and numbers.

However, there are a few easy workarounds for adding subscript and superscript in google sheets.

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to do subscript and superscript in google sheets (step-by-step)

Ready to dive in? Let’s get started…

How to do Subscript in Google Sheets

A subscript is a character (such as a number or letter) placed below the normal text baseline. They are commonly used to illustrate the molecular structure of chemical compounds such as water (H2₀)

As of 2022, there is no in-built option to add subscript in Google Sheets. However, we have figured out 2 creative workarounds to achieve the exact same effect.

Let’s have a look at them…

#1. Copy and Paste Unicode Symbols

The easiest way to add subscript in Google Sheets is to use Unicode symbols.

Unicode symbols work similarly to emojis but they are a form of the text itself.

Sites like Graphemica and Compart.com are good sources for Unicode characters that you can copy & paste into your Google Sheets document.

Simply visit one of these websites and search for your desired subscript through the search box. Make sure you are using words instead of numbers while searching (e.g. “subscript five”)

Once you find the Unicode, simply copy it by highlighting and pressing ctrl + c on your keyboard.

Finally, paste it to the desired place in your Google Sheets document.

#2. Use CHAR function

The CHAR function in Google Sheets allows you to enter certain characters into your spreadsheet.

Each character is associated with a special number that is called an ASCII code. When you use that number as an argument in the CHAR function it will return the desired character.

But, how will you find these codes for different subscripts?

Just go to the same Compart.com site (exactly similar to method 1) and check the first code in the “HTML Entity” row of a particular subscript.

Once you know the code simply enter it as an argument of the CHAR function.

#3. Use a Subscript Generator

There is an online tool from Lingojam that allows you to generate subscripts for any number, letter, or fraction.

Simply visit the subscript generator site and enter the value for which you need a subscript on the left-hand side box and you will get the corresponding subscript on the right-hand side box.

Once you’ve generated the desired subscript, now you can copy and paste it into your Google sheet.

#4. Use SuperSub Extension (Update)

If you’re a Google Chrome (or chromium-based browser) user, I’ve found the easiest method to insert subscript in your Google Sheets,

There is a chrome extension called “SuperSub” (work on opera, Vivaldi, Brave, Edge, etc) that allows you to quickly type Subscript characters in Google Sheets.

First of all, you’ll need to install this extension on your browser.

Once you have installed and activated this extension, simply type _ before the character you want to convert into a subscript.

How to do Superscript in Google Sheets

A Superscript is a character (such as a number or letter) placed slightly above the normal line of text. They’re commonly used to symbolize exponents, footnotes, ordinal indicators, and trademarks.

You can insert superscripts in the same way you inserted subscripts into your Google Sheets.

#1. Copy and Paste Unicode Symbols

Visit compart.com and search for your desired superscript through the search box appearing at the top.

Once you find your desired superscript, simply copy it and paste it into your Google spreadsheet.

#2. Using CHAR function

CHAR function allows you to enter certain characters in your spreadsheet using the unique number associated with that particular character.

Let’s say you want to enter Einstein’s famous theory of relativity formula: E = mc²

All you need to do is search for “superscript two” on compart.com and copy the first code from the HTML Entity row (i.e 178 for superscript two)

Finally, use this code in the CHAR function to achieve the desired superscript formatting.

Here’s what the final formula will look like: =”E = mc”&CHAR(178)

#3. Use a Superscript Generator

Visit the superscript generator site and enter any normal letter, number, or fraction into the left box. You will instantly get the superscript version of your desired character in the right box.

Simply copy it and paste it into your Google spreadsheet.

#4. Use SuperSub Extension

SuperSub is a chrome extension that allows you to quickly add superscripts in Google Sheets.

Once you have installed this extension, all you need to do is type ^ before the character you want to convert into superscript.

Final Thought:

Unlike Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets has yet not introduced an in-built feature to convert a text into a subscript or superscript.

Fortunately, there are a few easy workarounds that work pretty well.

I personally find the “SuperSub” extension very convenient for adding subscripts and superscripts.

Online generator sites are also quite helpful. You just need to enter your desired characters and it will convert them into subscripts or superscripts.

That’s pretty much all about how to do subscript and superscript in Google Sheets.

Do you have any questions regarding adding subscripts or superscripts? Let me know in the comment section below…