Superscript and subscript are vital formatting functions in mathematical and scientific printouts. They are found in exponents, chemical formulas, physical variables and constants, nuclear isotope abbreviations and many other applications. Since the set of menus that make text superscript in Microsoft Word does not exist in Microsoft Excel, you may not have realized that superscript is possible in Excel. The procedure in Excel is easy to learn, though it is important to keep in mind a couple of caveats.
Superscript in a Whole Cell or Multiple Cells
Highlight the cell(s) you want to make superscript. If you want entire rows or columns displayed as superscript, click the row number(s) or column letters(s). Select "Format" from the "Home" menu, and then click "Format Cells." A pop-up window will appear. Click the "Font" tab along the top of the pop-up, and then select the "Superscript" check box. Click "OK." If you are using an older version of Excel, start by clicking "Format" in the main menu and "Cells..." in the submenu. The same pop-up window will appear and enable you to make cell contents appear as superscript.
Superscript in Part of a Cell
If you want to make superscript only a few numbers, letters, or words in a longer cell, click the cell and then highlight the desired selection in the formula bar. Click "Format" followed by "Home," "Format Cells," "Font," "Superscript" and "OK." Depending on the overall format of the cell, the superscript may not display. For example, if you enter the date as "7/01/50" and try to make just the "01" superscript, Excel will automatically convert the text back into normal font.
In many applications like Microsoft PowerPoint, it is possible to change the percent offset of superscript and subscript. Microsoft Excel, however, does not have this feature, and it does not offer the option of changing the default offset.
When to Avoid Superscript
Do not use superscript formatting in a formula to raise a number to a power. Instead, use the caret (Shift-6). For example, if you want your cell to display "25," then type "=5^2." Making the "2" superscript will not achieve the result you want.
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