In this article:

How to add a Subscript and Superscript in Google Sheets

If you came from a technical field such as science and engineering, you will be very familiar with the mathematical symbols of subscripts and superscripts. In fact, we often use a shorthand when typing subscripts and superscripts:

Left:  What you want to type. Right: The shorthand when you cannot add superscript symbols or subscript symbols.
Left:  What you want to type. Right: The shorthand when you cannot enter superscript and subscripts. 

Fortunately, in these 3 simple Google Sheets tutorials, we will show you how to easily add subscript and superscript in Google Sheets so that you do not need to use extra symbols in your mathematical formulae or scientific notations.

Method 1: How to add subscript and superscript characters with the CHAR function

The CHAR function returns a character corresponding to a specific ASCII code. We have attached below the ASCII codes for each subscript and superscript in Google Sheets.

To use this formula, follow these steps:

Step 1: Enter your original string into Google Sheets.

For example, we want to write E=mc^2 with the two as a superscript.

E=mc2 entered into cell A1
Original String

Step 2: Find the ASCII code for the corresponding subscript or superscript that you want to add.

In our example, we want to add a superscript 2 to replace the regular 2 in our equation. Our ASCII code is 178.

So that you do not have to look up your ASCII code for the CHAR function, we have attached a list of common codes at the end of this Method 1 tutorial.

Step 3: Type =CHAR(ascii code) into the formula bar to generate a superscript or subscript

In our example, we need to include other characters with the superscript. To do so, we include the string in quotes and attach it to the CHAR function with an "&" symbol.

We would type ="E=mc"&CHAR(178)

Formula inserted
Formula Entered

ASCII codes for Subscripts

ASCII subscript character code List

ASCII Codes for Superscripts

ASCII superscript character code list

Method 2: How to add subscript and superscript in Google Sheets with a Unicode Generator

In addition to using the CHAR function, another simple method for adding a subscript or superscript to your Google Sheets is to use Unicode symbols. You can use one of many online tools to generate a Unicode symbol and then paste it into your Google Sheet, such as Superscript Generator ― LingoJam or Subscript Generator ― LingoJam.

We have also included the Unicode symbols under this paragraph, and you can easily copy and paste the Unicode symbols directly into your own spreadsheet.

Superscripts -> X⁺⁻⁰¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹

Subscripts -> x₊₋₀₁₂₃₄₅₆₇₈₉

This method of using Unicode symbols is best when you only have a few equations. It can become tedious to copy paste each Unicode symbol into your Google Sheet. Also, Unicode still does not have Unicode characters for the whole alphabet in superscript and subscript form, so you might want to think twice if you want to add whole words to your Google Sheets with it. 

Method 3: Using Google Docs to Superscript and Subscript numbers

The third method involves creating a superscript or subscript in a word processor, then transferring the symbols to your Google Sheet. For this article, we will use a Google Doc.

Step 1

After typing your statistical data or notation in Google Docs, select the number that you want to superscript.

Step 2

Next, click the Format menu, and hover over the Text option.

Step 3

From the menu, select the Superscript option.

You could also choose Subscript if you need that option.

Your text will look like this:

Step 4

You can now simply copy and paste your new symbol or the whole string into your Google Sheets spreadsheet. Voila!

Conclusion

Now that you have 3 methods to add superscript and subscript numbers into Google Sheets, you should have no trouble with mathematical formulas or chemical formulae. Your superscript and subscript characters will make your spreadsheet stand out as more professional and exact compared to using other workaround notations.

Supercharge Your Spreadsheets with Lido

🚀 Import data from anywhere and build custom tools and powerful dashboards straight from your spreadsheet. Discover what's possible in our Build Gallery.


Automate repetitive tasks with Lido

Save hours on repetitive and tedious work. Lido is a new spreadsheet that connects your spreadsheets, forms, PDFs, and email inbox.

Trigger
Action
Select trigger
When a cell value in Google Sheets changes
Check Google Sheets for today's date
When a new row is added to Google Sheets
On new Google Form submission
Send me a daily reminder
On new Typeform submission
When a cell value in database changes
Check database for today's date
When a new row is added in database
When a new HubSpot customer is created
Select action
ADDCALENDAREVENT
Creates a one- or multiple-day calendar event with optional attendees
ADDHUBSPOT
Adds an object to Hubspot
ADDSLACKCHANNEL
Create a Slack channel, and optionally add a topic or members
CALLURL
Makes any HTTP request
CREATEGOOGLEDOC
Replaces [@column_name] values in a Google Doc with the corresponding table row's values
CREATEPDF
Replaces [@column_name] values in a Google Doc with the corresponding table row's values, then export it as a PDF
FETCH
Makes any HTTP request and returns the response
INSERTROWS
Inserts given array below defined values in given worksheet
SENDGMAIL
Sends an email using your Google account
SENDOUTLOOK
Sends an email using your Microsoft Outlook account
SENDSLACK
Sends a Slack message
SENDSMS
Sends an SMS message using your Twilio account
UPDATECELL
Updates cells with given values
UPDATEHUBSPOT
Updates a property of a Hubspot object
Trigger is required
Action is required
Get started