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Subscript in Excel

March 11, 2021 by Andrew Childress
Subscript in Excel font menu

Subscripts are text or characters written below a main line of text. Let’s learn how to use subscript in Microsoft Excel.

Subscripts are text or characters written below a main line of text. Let’s learn how to use subscript in Excel.

How to Add Subscript in Microsoft Excel

CO2. H2O. You might recognize these formulas for carbon dioxide and water. In both cases, the “2” is a subscript. Often used in math and science, it’s helpful to learn how to quickly type these in Excel.

We’ll learn how to type H2O in Excel. Begin by clicking into any open cell in your workbook. Then, type H2O. As you’ll notice, Excel won’t automatically apply the subscript.

Subscript Excel updated

To add a subscript manually, begin by highlighting the text or characters you want to modify. In this case, highlight only the number 2.

Next, press Ctrl + 1 on your computer keyboard. This quick shortcut opens up the Format Cells menu. Notice the trio of effects listed in the bottom left: Strikethrough, Superscript, and Subscript. Here, of course, we want Subscript.

Subscript in Excel font menu

Click on the check box, then press OK in the lower right corner. Excel will immediately apply the subscript effect.

subscript after Excel

How to Remove Subscripts in Microsoft Excel

Accidentally applied a subscript? Fortunately, Excel makes this easy to reverse. Highlight the subscripted number, then press Ctrl + 1 again. Uncheck the Subscript box, then press OK. Your text will revert to normal formatting.

Potential Uses for Subscripts in Microsoft Excel

You may be wondering about the potential uses for subscripts in Excel. In fact, these commonly occur in STEM (science, technology, and math) fields and applications. Here are a few common examples:

  • Chemical formulas like those above (CO2, H2O)
  • Math equations with sequence terms (F5), where 5 is the fifth term.
  • Computer coding applications (C10)

As you can see, it’s easy to add subscripts in Microsoft Excel. This helps you perform your work faster.

Category: Excel ShortcutsTag: Excel, How To, Instructions, Tutorial

About Andrew Childress

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