Subscript and Superscript in Google Docs

Method 1: Format Menu (Best for Beginners)

1. Open your document in Google Docs.
2. Select the text you want to change (for example the number 2 in H2O).
3. Click Format in the top menu.
4. Choose Text, then Subscript or Superscript.

This changes only the selected characters. It works well for short formulas in one document.

Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts

Select the text first, then use the shortcut. These are the fastest way for subscript in Google Docs when you edit often.

Method 3: Paste Unicode (CO₂, H₂O, x²)

Sometimes you want characters that stay subscript or superscript when you copy to email, chat, or another app. Use our subscript and superscript generator:

1. Type plain text like CO2 or x2 on the generator.
2. Pick Subscript or Superscript; for chemistry use Formula mode and Numbers Only: On.
3. Click Copy, then paste into Google Docs.

This matches how many people search for how to write CO₂ in Google Docs—you can paste the finished symbols directly.

Common Questions

How do I insert subscript in Google Docs on a phone? Use the Google Docs app, select text, tap the A (format) icon, and look for subscript/superscript in the text options (exact placement can vary by app version).

Subscript vs formatting in Docs? Built-in formatting only lives inside Docs until you export carefully. Unicode characters from our tool are real characters and travel with plain text.

Related: Subscript in Word · Subscript vs superscript explained