How small text works
There is no single “small font” in Unicode. Tiny text is stitched together from three sets: small capitals from the phonetic alphabet (ᴀʙᴄ), superscript letters used in linguistics (ᵃᵇᶜ), and a partial set of subscripts (ₐₑₒ).
Each set has gaps. There is no superscript q and no subscript b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y or z, so those letters stay full size. The tool highlights missing letters so you can reword before you post.
Styles on this page
- Small caps — Phonetic letters; ꜰ and ꜱ missing on some older phones. Works on most devices
- Superscript — No superscript q exists in common fonts. Works on most devices
- Subscript — Unicode has no subscript b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y, z. Hit-and-miss
- Parentheses — Lowercase only; digits 1–9. Works on most devices
Curious why these letters are not a real font? See how Unicode styles work, step by step.
Questions
Why are some letters not small?
Unicode only encodes small letters that have been used in real writing systems or phonetics. Nobody needed a subscript “b” in print, so it was never added — the generator leaves it full size rather than faking it.
What is the difference between small caps and superscript?
Small caps sit on the line and are the height of a lowercase letter (ʜᴇʟʟᴏ). Superscript letters float above the line and are smaller (ʰᵉˡˡᵒ).
Is tiny text the same as small text?
Yes, people search for both. Superscript is the tiniest set that still covers almost the whole alphabet.