How to Add Superscript and Subscript in Google Slides

Quick Answer:

To add a superscript in Google Slides:

1. Click inside a text box and type your full expression (e.g., x2).
2. Highlight only the character to raise (e.g., the 2).
3. Press Ctrl + . on Windows/Chromebook or Command + . on Mac.

For subscripts (e.g., H₂O), use Ctrl + , instead. Press the same shortcut again to remove either. 

Introduction

Subscripts and superscript in Google Slides are valuable features, making it easier for the audience to understand complex formulas, equations, and footnotes. Learn the tricks to superscript and subscript in Google Slides effortlessly to create equations, chemical formulas, and dynamic text in your presentations.

Google Slides is a go-to platform for creating visually compelling presentations. Adding subscript and superscript in Google Slides significantly enhances your presentation content. These formatting options allow you to raise or lower text, clearly representing mathematical equations, chemical formulas, and more.

Many professionals tend to write the formulas in a blank format, which might need clarification. This is where subscripts and superscripts in Google Slides presentations come into the picture. For example, you can present your formula for water as H₂O instead of H2O using a subscript in Google Slides. This not only adds a touch of professionalism to your presentations but also ensures that complex information is communicated clearly. If you specifically need to write exponents like x² or 10³ for a math or science slide, see our dedicated guide on how to add exponents in Google Slides.

What is a Superscript in Google Slides?

Superscript is a formatting option that raises text or numbers above the baseline. In Google Slides, this is particularly useful for inserting equations, ordinal numbers, or symbols that require a smaller size above the line of text. It also gives another perspective to the text, making it aesthetically attractive.

An example of a Superscript: 2⁵

ALSO READ: How to Insert a Fraction in Google Slides

What is a Subscript in Google Slides?

Subscript is a formatting option that lowers text or numbers below the baseline. They are smaller in size and placed at the bottom of the text. Subscripts also add an extra dimension to the text, which can help to make it visually appealing.

An example of a Subscript: H₂O

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How to Superscript in Google Slides

Superscript enhances the quality of your presentation content. Inserting it is quite easy. Follow the steps below to add superscript in Google Slides:

1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
2. Select the text you want to superscript.
3. Go to Format in the menu tab.
4. Go to Text > select the Superscript option.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to insert superscripts in Google Slides.

Chromebook note: If Ctrl + . does not respond on your Chromebook, use Format > Text > Superscript from the top menu instead, or try Shift + Search + . on some keyboard layouts.

Need exponents for math or science slides?

Exponents like x² and 10²³ use the same superscript formatting shown above. For a dedicated step-by-step guide covering all 3 methods, shortcuts for Windows, Mac and Chromebook, real-world examples, and troubleshooting, see our full guide on how to add exponents in Google Slides.

How to Subscript in Google Slides

Subscript texts are written slightly below the main text. Here’s how to add subscript in Google Slides:

1. Open your Google Slides presentation.
2. Select the text you want to subscript.
3. Go to Format in the menu tab.
4. Go to Text > select the Subscript option.

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to insert subscripts in Google Slides.

How to Remove Superscript or Subscript Formatting in Google Slides

Many times, you might want to undo or remove the subscript or superscript you have added to the text. If you wish to remove it, follow the steps below:

1. Select the text you wish to remove the format from.
2. Right-click and choose Format options.
3. Under the Text tab, unselect Superscript or Subscript > Click Apply.

ALSO READ: How to Wrap Text in Google Slides

Why Use Subscript and Superscript in Google Slides?

Subscripts and superscripts are invaluable text formatting options in Google Slides, particularly beneficial in scientific and mathematical contexts. They help to indicate footnotes, call out citations, present equations, chemical formulas, and mathematical expressions. When dealing with numerical data, superscript is apt for ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd), while subscript enhances the presentation of footnotes or mathematical notations.

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Learning how to add a superscript and subscript in Google Slides is a simple yet effective way to make your presentations stand out. Whether creating scientific presentations or mathematical equations, mastering these formatting options will enhance your content’s visual appeal and clarity with ease.

Time is crucial while creating presentations. To save you time, you can prefer using pre-designed Google Slides templates instead of starting from scratch. Explore more than 7,000 templates from our collection of Google Slides themes. Download Now!

ALSO READ: How to Insert an Equation in Google Slides

ALSO READ: How to Add Superscript and Subscript in PowerPoint

Conclusion

Adding superscript and subscript in Google Slides takes only a few seconds once you know the Format menu path or keyboard shortcut. Use Format > Text > Superscript and Ctrl + . (Windows/Chromebook) or Command + . (Mac) for raised characters, and Format > Text > Subscript with Ctrl + , or Command + , for lowered characters.

For more complex equations that go beyond superscript formatting, see our guide on how to insert equations in Google Slides. If you work with fractions alongside superscripts, our guide on how to insert fractions in Google Slides covers those methods as well. For other Google Slides text formatting options, see our guide on how to do a hanging indent in Google Slides.

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