Superscript Shortcut
To type superscript (like x²): in Word press Ctrl+Shift+= (Windows) or ⌘⇧= (Mac); in Google Docs press Ctrl+. (Windows) or ⌘. (Mac); in PowerPoint press Ctrl+Shift+= (Windows) or ⌘⇧= (Mac). Here is the superscript shortcut in each app, side by side.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Word | ⌘⇧= | Ctrl+Shift+= | |
| Google Docs | ⌘. | Ctrl+. | |
| PowerPoint | ⌘⇧= | Ctrl+Shift+= |
Superscript on Mac vs Windows
In Word and PowerPoint, superscript is Ctrl+Shift+= on Windows and ⌘⇧= on a Mac. In Google Docs it is Ctrl+. (period) on Windows and ⌘. on a Mac. Press the same combo again to turn it off.
What superscript is for
Superscript lifts a character above the baseline — exponents (x²), ordinals (1st) and footnote marks. For the opposite, below the baseline, use subscript.
FAQ
What is the superscript shortcut in Word?
Ctrl+Shift+= on Windows and ⌘⇧= (Command+Shift+Equals) on a Mac. Press it again to turn superscript off.
How do I type superscript in Google Docs?
Press Ctrl+. (period) on Windows or ⌘. on a Mac.
What is the shortcut for an exponent like x squared?
Type x, turn on superscript (Ctrl+Shift+= in Word / Ctrl+. in Google Docs on Windows), type 2, then turn superscript off.