How To Add Superscript in Google Sheets: 3 Easy Ways

Google Sheets is a powerful, user-friendly platform that makes managing and presenting data easier than ever. Among its many functions is the ability to apply superscript formatting—a valuable feature for anyone working with mathematical equations, scientific notations, or anyone wishing to emphasize specific text. Superscript formatting lifts characters above the regular text line, ensuring your data is both clear and professionally formatted.

While superscript styling elevates your text, this guide keeps the process simple and accessible. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned spreadsheet user, you will find these instructions clear and practical. By the end, you might view that small ‘2’ in H₂O with a new appreciation for detail and presentation.

What is Superscript & Subscript?

Superscript and subscript in Google Sheets are text formatting styles that let you position characters above (superscript) or below (subscript) the main text line. These formats are especially useful in mathematical and scientific contexts for representing exponents, chemical compounds, and other specialized notations.

Superscript is often used for:

• Ordinal indicators, e.g., 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, etc.
• Exponents in mathematical expressions, e.g., x² for “x squared.”
• References and footnotes in a document.

Subscript is commonly used for:

• Chemical formulas, e.g., (H₂O) for water.
• Mathematical variables, e.g., (A₂ + B₂ = C₂) in algebraic expressions.
• Denoting bases in logarithms, e.g., (log₂) for “log base 2.”

Benefits of using superscripts and subscripts:

• Clarity: Superscript and subscript formatting clarifies expressions by visually separating specialized elements from regular text, making information easier to read.
• Accuracy: In academic and professional documents, these formats help you present formulas and notations precisely, reducing confusion.
• Professionalism: Proper formatting enhances the appearance of your work, ensuring it follows conventional standards and impresses your audience.

How they can be helpful:

• Education: Superscript and subscript formatting is fundamental for students and educators who need to create accurate learning resources and assignments.
• Research: For researchers, these features ensure the correct presentation of complex data, formulas, and chemical compounds, supporting academic standards.
• Data Presentation: Well-formatted data improves presentation quality in reports, dashboards, and analyses, helping readers understand information at a glance.

How to Add Superscript in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets does not currently include a built-in function specifically for superscript. However, you can still achieve superscript formatting by using the following effective workarounds.

Method 1: Copy and Paste Unicode Characters

1. Visit a website such as Graphemica, which provides access to a wide range of Unicode characters.
   

   

2. Use the search function to find the desired superscript character, for example, “superscript two.”
   

   

3. Once you locate the character (such as “²” for superscript two), copy it to your clipboard.
   

   

4. Paste the superscript character into your Google Sheet using the formula bar.
   

   

5. To place multiple superscripts together, copy and paste several Unicode characters in sequence (e.g., “¹²”).

Why is this effective? Using Unicode characters is the most universally supported way to represent superscript in Google Sheets, ensuring accurate appearance across different devices and exporting formats.

Method 2: Use the CHAR Function

1. Identify the ASCII code or Unicode for the required superscript character. For instance, the code for “superscript two” is 178.
2. To find any superscript or subscript code, search online—for example, type “ascii superscript three” to find the code for superscript three. This step ensures you always use the correct character.
   

   

3. Next, enter the CHAR function into the cell where you want the superscript (e.g., =CHAR(178) for superscript two).
   

   

4. The superscript character will now be displayed in the selected cell.

Why use the CHAR function? This method is quick and ensures accuracy by generating the superscript character directly in Google Sheets, which can be especially useful for repetitive or formula-driven tasks.

Method 3: Change Font Size (Last Resort)

1. Enter the full text in the desired Google Sheets cell.
2. Select the specific character(s) you wish to display as superscript.
3. Reduce the font size of the selected section to create the appearance of a superscript.
   

   

Why try this method? While not perfect for superscripts, changing font size can provide a temporary solution when Unicode or CHAR codes are not suitable. This technique is sometimes used when visual separation is more important than exact positioning.

Using these methods, you can incorporate superscript and subscript formatting into your workflow even though Google Sheets does not offer this capability through its menu or toolbar. Apply these features thoughtfully to improve the clarity and professionalism of your spreadsheets.