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How to Type an Exponent in Word

Select just the exponent and choose Home > Superscript for a quick raised character. Use Word’s equation editor for more complex math.
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For a short exponent, type the base and exponent, select only the exponent, then choose Home > Superscript. For a longer mathematical expression, use Word’s equation editor instead.

Type a short exponent with Superscript

  1. Type the base and exponent as ordinary text, such as x2.
  2. Select only the exponent character, such as the 2. Leave the base unselected.
  3. Choose Home > Superscript. Word raises the selected character above the text line. Microsoft documents Ctrl+Shift+Plus (+) for Windows and Command+Shift+Plus (+) for Mac as shortcuts for superscript formatting. See Microsoft’s superscript and subscript instructions.

Use an equation for a more complex expression

For a multi-character exponent or an expression with fractions, roots, or other mathematical structures, insert an equation. In Word for Windows, press Alt+= at the insertion point, or choose Insert > Equation. Then enter the math in the equation box or use the Equation ribbon’s structures. Microsoft’s equation instructions describe creating and editing equations.

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Microsoft lists Control+= for inserting or toggling math in Word for Mac; this is a different shortcut from the Mac superscript shortcut. See Word’s equation keyboard shortcuts. Equation entry and conversion features can vary by product edition, so the available options may differ.

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Choose the right method

What you need Word feature How to start
A short raised character in ordinary prose Superscript formatting Select the character, then choose Home > Superscript
A structured mathematical expression Equation editor Insert > Equation, or Alt+= in Word for Windows
Remove accidental formatting Clear manual character formatting Select the affected text, then press Ctrl+Spacebar

Stop or remove superscript formatting

If new typing continues in superscript, turn off the Superscript control before continuing. To remove superscript from text that is already formatted, select that text and press Ctrl+Spacebar to clear manual character formatting. Microsoft documents this shortcut in its Word keyboard shortcuts reference.

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If a shortcut does not work

Use Home > Superscript directly; it does not depend on the keyboard shortcut. Word lets users customize shortcut assignments, so a changed assignment may account for different behavior. Microsoft explains shortcut customization in its keyboard shortcut customization guide.

The documented superscript instructions cover Word for Microsoft 365, Word 2024, Word 2021, Word 2019, and Word 2016, with platform-specific guidance for Windows and Mac. Interface labels and available equation features may vary across releases and configurations.

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