Subscript Shortcut
To type subscript (like H₂O): in Word press Ctrl+= (Windows) or ⌘= (Mac); in Google Docs press Ctrl+, (Windows) or ⌘, (Mac); in PowerPoint press Ctrl+= (Windows) or ⌘= (Mac). Here is the subscript shortcut in each app, side by side.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word | ⌘= | Ctrl+= | |
| Google Docs | ⌘, | Ctrl+, | |
| PowerPoint | ⌘= | Ctrl+= |
Subscript on Mac vs Windows
In Word and PowerPoint, subscript is Ctrl+= on Windows and ⌘= on a Mac — press it once to turn subscript on, again to turn it off. In Google Docs it is Ctrl+, (comma) on Windows and ⌘, on a Mac.
What subscript is for
Subscript drops a character below the baseline — chemical formulas (H₂O, CO₂) and math indices. To go the other way, above the baseline, use superscript.
FAQ
What is the subscript shortcut in Word?
Ctrl+= on Windows and ⌘= (Command and Equals) on a Mac. Press it again to turn subscript off.
How do I type subscript in Google Docs?
Press Ctrl+, (comma) on Windows or ⌘, on a Mac.
What is the shortcut for H2O style subscript?
Type H, then turn on subscript (Ctrl+= in Word / Ctrl+, in Google Docs on Windows), type 2, then turn subscript off and type O.