How to Superscript in Excel? (9 Best Methods)

Note: This guide on how to add superscript in Excel is suitable for all Excel versions including Office 365. 

Have you ever wondered if it is even possible to add a subscript or superscript in Excel sheets? 

Yes, it is definitely possible to add them in Excel, and also as easy as in Microsoft Word. 

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It’s probably one of the least known Excel formatting features. Because of this many Excel users resort to never using it altogether. 

In this guide, I will teach the simplest methods to add a superscript in Excel sheets. After reading this, you will be able to add them without compromising on time. 

I’ll cover:

Superscript in Excel – An Overview

Superscript is a formatting style where a smaller number or letter is typed above the preceding text. It is usually used to denote units like m², m³, or exponents in numerical equations like 2³ or 2⁴. 

Now I’ll show you, separately, how to add a superscript in Excel for both texts and numbers. 

How to Superscript in Excel for Text?

All the methods covered in this section, convert your data into a string. Hence, note that they cannot be used by any formula or equation in Excel, for calculations. 

Format Text as Superscript in Excel

It is the quickest way to convert a normal text into a superscript. 

1. Just select the text you want to be converted to superscript.

2. Go to the Format cells dialogue box. You can do this either by using Ctrl+1 or by right-clicking on the cell and selecting Format Cells.
   

3. In the Format cells menu, under the Font tab, inside the Effects group check the checkbox next to the Superscript option. 

4. Click OK 

You have successfully converted your selected text into a superscript. Please remember that it only changes the appearance of the text. 

Keyboard Shortcuts to Superscript in Excel

To make the process quicker you can use this shortcut. 

1. Select the text you wish to convert to superscript.
   
2. Press Ctrl+1.
   
3. Press Alt+E.
   
4. Press Enter. 

You have successfully converted your selected text into a superscript using shortcuts. Please remember that it only changes the appearance of the text.

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Superscript Option in Quick Access Toolbar

In Excel versions 2016 and later, including Office 365 you can have an option to add superscript buttons to the quick access toolbar. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the drop-down button at the end of the quick access toolbar.
   
2. Choose More Commands from the drop-down menu.
   
   
   
   
3. Under the Commands Not in the Ribbon section, find and select the Superscript option and click the Add button.
    

4. Click OK.

You have successfully added the superscript button to the quick access toolbar.

Now, just click on this button after selecting a  text, to convert it into a superscript.

You can also use the quick access toolbar shortcuts to do this. The shortcuts vary from user to user and are in the format of Alt + “Position of Quick Access the Button”. For example, if the superscript button is the 4th from left, then the shortcut is Alt+4.

Superscript Option in Excel Ribbon

Similarly, you have the option to add the superscript button to the Excel Ribbon in Excel versions 2016 and later. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Right Click anywhere on the Excel Ribbon and click on the Customize the Ribbon option.
   
2. In the Excel Options dialogue box, under the Customize the Ribbon section, select the desired tab where you want to place the superscript button.
   
   
   
3. Click on the New Group button.
   
4. Click on the Rename Button, to give this group a unique name. 
   
5. In the drop-down list on the left side called Choose commands from,  select Commands Not in the Ribbon.
   
6. Scroll and select Superscript from the commands list.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Click Add and Hit OK. 

You have successfully added the superscript button to the Excel Ribbon.

Now, just click on this button after selecting a text, to convert it into a superscript. 

How to Type Exponents in Excel using superscript?

Now, let me show you how to type exponents in Excel using superscripts. This is applicable for numbers and other equation-type formats. 

Please remember that most of these methods either convert your numbers into strings or simply change their appearance to look like superscripts. 

Hence, be careful and check their values in the formula bar before using them inside any function or formulas. 

How to Type an Exponent Using the Equation Option?

To add Excel superscript using the equation option, just follow these steps. 

1. Locate and click on the Equation button under the Insert tab in the Symbols group.
   
   
   
   
2. In the Design tab which appears next, click on the Superscript format under the Script section of the Structures
   group.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Select the location using the selection squares and type in the value. 

You have successfully added numerical superscripts to your Excel Sheet. You can now drag and change the position of this superscript if required. 

How to Add Exponents Using the Ink Equation Option?

There is no scarcity of options when it comes to adding equations with a superscript in Excel. 

You can just doodle your equation with your mouse to add these superscripts. 

Interesting isn’t it?

To do this:

1. Click on the Ink Equation button.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Doodle your equation using a mouse.
   
   
3. If Excel recognizes your handwriting, it will automatically display the equation.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. If the equation is correct, click on the Insert button. 
   

You have now inserted an equation with superscript. Please note that this is just an Excel object, and will not be treated as a valid value or formula. Hence, it can not be used inside formulas or functions. 

How to Type an Exponent Using Superscript Shortcuts?

You can quickly add a numerical superscript in Excel, only for numbers 1,2, and 3 using the shortcuts Alt+0185, Alt+0178, and Alt+0179 respectively.

Please note that this will convert the entire number into a string, disabling it to be used inside formulas. 

How to Add Exponents in Excel using the Char Function?

To add superscript using char function, just concatenate the original number with Char(185), Char(178), and Char(179) for superscripts 1,2, and 3 respectively. 

Please note that this will convert the entire number into a string, disabling it to be used inside formulas. 

Excel Superscript using Custom Category. 

If you need to apply the same superscript to multiple cells, this method will come in handy. 

1. Just select the cells you want to add superscripts to and go to the Format cells dialogue box using Ctrl+1.
   
2. Select the Custom Category under the Number tab.
   
3. In the Type box, enter 0.
   
4. Immediately, hold down the Alt button and enter the Superscript Code. ( 0185, 0178 and 0179 for 1,2 and 3 respectively)
   
   
   
   
   
5. Release the Alt button and click OK. 

For example, for a superscript of 3, I will enter, 0+Alt+0179, which will translate into 0^3. 

Excel will add the superscripts to all the selected cells uniformly. 

Please keep in mind that this will only change the appearance of the selected cells. Their values will remain the same. 

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Let’s Wrapup 

In this guide, I have explained how to add an Excel superscript in a step-by-step manner. We also saw how to add superscripts for numbers, texts, and equations. If you have any doubts regarding superscripts or any other Excel feature, please let us know in the comments below. 

If you need more high-quality Excel guides, please check out our free Excel resources centre.

Simon Sez IT has been teaching Excel for over ten years. For a low, monthly fee you can get access to 100+ IT training courses. Click here for advanced Excel courses with in-depth training modules.

Adam Lacey

Adam Lacey is an Excel enthusiast and online learning expert. He combines these two passions at Simon Sez IT where he wears a number of different hats.When Adam isn't fretting about site traffic or Pivot Tables, you'll find him on the tennis court or in the kitchen cooking up a storm.