How subscript works
Subscript digits ₀₁₂₃₄₅₆₇₈₉ and the signs ₊ ₋ ₌ ₍ ₎ live in Unicode’s Superscripts and Subscripts block (U+2080–U+209C). The digit set is complete, so chemical formulas such as H₂O, CO₂ and C₆H₁₂O₆ and indices such as x₁ and aₙ work in any app.
Letters are another story. Unicode only encodes subscript letters that phoneticians and mathematicians needed: a, e, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, r, s, t, u, v and x. There is no subscript b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y or z, so the tool leaves those full size instead of faking them.
Styles on this page
- Subscript — Unicode has no subscript b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y, z. Hit-and-miss
- Superscript — No superscript q exists in common fonts. Works on most devices
- Small caps — Phonetic letters; ꜰ and ꜱ missing on some older phones. Works on most devices
Curious why these letters are not a real font? See how Unicode styles work, step by step.
Questions
How do I type subscript numbers?
Type the formula above, for example H2SO4, and copy the subscript result: H₂SO₄. In Word or Google Docs you can also use the built-in shortcut Ctrl + = (Cmd + = on Mac) for real subscript formatting.
Why are some letters not in subscript?
Unicode adds characters that exist in real writing systems. Only a handful of lowercase subscript letters were ever used in phonetics and maths, so b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y and z, and all capitals, have no subscript form.
Will subscript show up on other phones?
Subscript digits display on all current iPhones, Android phones, Windows and macOS. A few subscript letters (ₕ ₖ ₗ ₘ ₙ ₚ ₛ ₜ) are newer and can show as boxes on old Android versions.
What is the difference between subscript and superscript?
Subscript sits below the baseline (H₂O); superscript floats above it (x²). Both are on this page — use superscript for exponents, footnotes and ordinals.