How do you do subscript in Google Sheets?

Google Sheets does not have a native subscript formatting button or shortcut. The most reliable method is to use our free Unicode Subscript Generator to create real subscript characters (like ₂ or ₁) and paste them directly into your spreadsheet cells.

How do you format subscript in Google Slides?

In Google Slides, select your text, then choose Format > Text > Subscript from the menu bar. You can also try Ctrl+, which works in certain browser versions.

How do I type chemical formulas like H2O in Google Docs?

Type "H2O" normally, select only the "2", and press Ctrl+, (or Cmd+, on Mac). You can also highlight the "2" and click Format > Text > Subscript.

Why isn't the Mac subscript shortcut working in Google Docs?

On macOS, Cmd+, is often reserved for application Preferences. If your browser or another program intercepts the shortcut, you can always use Format > Text > Subscript from the Docs menu.

Will subscripts stay formatted when copying to other applications?

Subscript formatting created in Google Docs copies cleanly into rich-text editors like Microsoft Word. For plain-text apps like WhatsApp, SMS, or Slack, use Unicode subscript characters from our generator so the formatting is never stripped.

Back to all blogs

Google Workspace•5 min read•March 2025

How to Do Subscript in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

Q: What is the keyboard shortcut for subscript in Google Docs?

The shortcut is Ctrl+, (comma) on Windows and Chromebook, or Cmd+, on Mac. Select your character, press the shortcut to subscript it, and press it again to return to normal typing.

If you’re typing a chemistry formula like H₂O, CO₂, or an indexed variable like x₁, you’ll need to place certain characters below the normal text line. Google Docs has a built-in subscript option, while Google Sheets and Slides use different methods.

Here’s how to add subscripts in each app quickly and correctly.

Overview of subscript methods across Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides.

Subscript Generator Guide Team

Typography & Office Suite Specialists

Open Converter

#Subscript Shortcut in Google Docs

Google Docs has a simple keyboard shortcut for subscript, and it works the same on any document.

##Google Docs Shortcut Key

Ctrl,

To add subscripts in Google Docs, select your text and press Ctrl+, (comma) on Windows or Chromebook, or Cmd+, on Mac. Press it again to turn the subscript off.

Windows & ChromeOS: Ctrl + , | Mac: Cmd + ,

#How to Subscript Just Part of a Word

A lot of formulas only need one character changed, like the "2" in H2O. Here's the easy way to do it:

1Type the whole word normally first: H2O.

2Click right before the character you want to change.

3Hold Shift and press the Right Arrow key to select just that one character.

4Press the subscript shortcut (Ctrl+, on Windows/Chromebook, Cmd+, on Mac).

5Click after the character to move back to normal text, or press the shortcut again to turn it off.

This same method works for longer formulas too, like C6H12O6, where you're switching between normal text and subscript more than once.

#Subscript in Google Docs on Mac

The shortcut on Mac is almost the same as Windows, just swap Ctrl for Cmd.

If the shortcut doesn't respond, it's usually because another Mac shortcut is using the same keys. The Format menu will still work no matter what.

##Mac Shortcut Key

Cmd,

Select your text and press Cmd+, to toggle subscript formatting on macOS.

Hold Command and tap comma to toggle subscript

#Subscript in Google Slides

Google Slides doesn't have the same keyboard shortcut as Docs, but you can still add subscripts.

##A Quicker Option

Some versions of Slides do support Ctrl+, just like Docs, so it's worth trying the shortcut first. If nothing happens, the Format menu will always work as a backup.

#Subscript in Google Sheets

Sheets doesn't have a direct subscript button the way Docs and Slides do. To type your formula you can use a special subscript characters generator instead of relying on formatting.

You can get these characters from our subscript generator too, then just paste them straight into the cell. Since they're regular Unicode characters, they'll display correctly without needing any special formatting turned on.

#Using a Subscript Generator

If you ever need subscript text somewhere that doesn't support real formatting, like Sheets, an email, or a chat app, then you can use our subscript generator for free.

Type your text into the generator, copy the converted result, and paste it wherever you need it. You can use our subscript generator for free, no sign-up needed, it works for chemistry formulas, indexed variables, or anything else you're trying to format outside of Docs.

#Frequently Asked Questions

The shortcut is **Ctrl+,** (comma) on Windows and Chromebook, or **Cmd+,** on Mac. Select your character, press the shortcut to subscript it, and press it again to return to normal typing.

#Conclusion

Google Docs makes adding subscripts simple with the Ctrl+, (Cmd+, on Mac) keyboard shortcut and the Format > Text > Subscript menu. Google Slides provides the same formatting under its Format menu, while Google Sheets is easiest to format using Unicode subscript characters from our free Subscript Generator.

Whether you are writing chemical equations, math indices, or footnote references, you now have the tools and shortcuts to format subscripts accurately across the entire Google Workspace suite.

S₁

Try the Live Subscript Converter

Convert plain text, mathematical variables, and chemical formulas to real Unicode subscripts instantly with one-click copy.

Launch Converter Explore Formula Presets

Subscript Generator