How to Put an Exponent or Superscript in a Google Doc

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: May 14, 2021

Google Docs does not have a choice for "exponent" in its Insert or Symbols menu. Instead, you'll need to use superscript to create exponents. This wikiHow will teach you how to write an exponent with superscript text format in Google Docs on your computer or using the mobile app.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Using the Mobile App

1
Open Google Docs. This app icon looks like a blue piece of paper with a white-lined paragraph inside. You can find this app on one of your Home screens, in your app drawer, or by searching.
2
Tap the document you want to edit. The document will open in view mode, so you need to change that to edit mode if you want to edit from your phone or tablet.
3
Tap the edit icon. This is a pencil inside a circle that you'll find in the bottom right corner of your screen.
- A cursor will appear in the text for you to edit the document.
4
Move the cursor to a location where you want to enter your exponent. Drag your finger to where you want to enter the superscript number that will represent an exponent.
5
Tap the alignment and font icon (an "A" with lines next to it). It's at the top of your editing space and will open a menu with options to change font and paragraph styles.
6
Tap X² and
. The X² button is in the menu in the lower half of your screen under the Text tab and the checkmark will close the menu, leaving your current editing format in superscript.
- You'll notice the cursor will appear smaller to indicate that your text will be in superscript.
7
Write your exponent. Use the on-screen keyboard to type the numbers you want. When you're done, tap the checkmark icon in the upper left corner of your screen to exit editing mode.
- If you want to return to normal formatting, repeat these steps to tap the alignment and font icon, then tap the superscript icon again until it's not highlighted and tap the checkmark icon. Font will return to normal so you can continue typing.^{[1]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Using a Computer

1
Go to https://docs.google.com/ in a web browser. You can use any web browser to access Google Docs on a computer.
- Log in if prompted.
2
Click a document to open it. You can open a new or existing document.
3
Click the Format tab. It's in the editing menu above your document.
4
Hover over Text and click Superscript. It's next to an X² icon. You'll see the cursor shrink and move to the top half of the baseline.
- Alternatively, you can use a keyboard shortcut to enable superscript. Press Ctrl + . (Windows) or Cmd + . (Mac).
- To return to standard text formatting, press the keyboard shortcut again or go through the same menu (Format > Text) and select Superscript again.