Writing notes in Notion is simple, but adding small details like subscript and superscript can be tricky. These tiny text styles make your formulas, footnotes, and chemical symbols look correct. Knowing how to do them saves time and keeps your pages neat.
You don’t need extra apps or complicated tools. Notion lets you add subscript and superscript with just a few clicks or keyboard shortcuts. Once you learn them, your workflow becomes faster and smoother.
This guide shows exactly how to type subscript and superscript in Notion. You’ll get practical steps, shortcuts, and tips to use them everywhere in your pages. By the end, your text will look professional, clear, and easy to read.
How to Add a Subscript in Notion
Notion lets you use subscripts through its inline equation feature.
Here’s how:
Type /math and choose Inline Equation or Block Equation..
In the equation box, type your formula using an underscore ( _ ) before the character you want as subscript.
Example: H_20→ displays as H₂O
If you need more than one character in subscript, wrap them in curly braces {}.
Example: C_{12}H_{22}0_{11} → C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁
Click Done or press Enter to save it.
Now your text stays neatly formatted on any Notion page.
How to Add Superscript in Notion
Superscripts work almost the same way — except you’ll use a caret symbol ( ^ ) instead.
Here’s how:
Type /math → select Inline Equation.
Use ^ before your superscript character.
Example: x^2→ shows x²
For multiple superscript characters, use { } brackets.
Example: x^{10} → x¹⁰
Press Enter or click Done to confirm.
You can use this method for powers, references, or even chemical ions like Na⁺ or SO₄²⁻.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Subscript and Superscript in Notion
Notion lets you type subscript and superscript quickly using a simple keyboard shortcut.
On a Mac, press CMD + Shift + E.
On Windows, press CTRL + Shift + E.
This opens an inline math equation right inside your page.
Once the equation box appears, you can type (_) to make subscript and (^) to make superscript.
When your formula is complete, press Enter or click Done. Notion will format your text automatically. This method is fast, keeps your page clean, and works anywhere you need precise scientific, mathematical, or footnote formatting.
Use Cases and Practical Examples
Here’s where subscript and superscript really shine in Notion:
Use Case
Example
Description
Chemistry Notes
H₂O, CO₂, Na⁺
Display molecular formulas and ions clearly
Math Formulas
x², aₙ, x^{10}
Represent powers and indexed terms
Footnotes
¹, ²
Add references in academic notes
Measurements
m², cm³
Show units with proper formatting
Scientific Notation
6.02 × 10²³
Represent large or small numbers accurately
These formatting styles make your Notion workspace look structured and professional — especially if you use it for study, research, or technical documentation.
Final Thoughts
Adding subscript and superscript in Notion keeps your notes precise and professional. Using the equation blocks or keyboard shortcuts, you can format numbers, formulas, footnotes, and scientific notations quickly.
Subscripts are ideal for indices, chemical formulas, and units, while superscripts work for powers, scientific notation, and references. Both make your text easier to read and understand.
With these tips, you can type subscript and superscript anywhere in Notion, whether for personal notes, schoolwork, or professional projects. Clear content meets clean design, and you have full control.
If you want to take your Notion pages further, you can explore building a website with Bullet and its AI features for an enhanced, interactive experience.
Can I use subscript or superscript without using equation blocks in Notion?
Notion doesn’t support direct subscript or superscript formatting in regular text. However, you can copy formatted characters (like ², ₃, etc.) from character maps or websites and paste them into your Notion text.
Does Notion support Markdown for subscript and superscript?
No, Notion doesn’t support Markdown syntax for subscript or superscript directly. You’ll need to use the equation block or paste formatted Unicode characters instead.
How can I add subscript or superscript on Notion mobile app?
You can use the same equation block method. Type /equation in the mobile app, then add _{} or ^{} syntax. You can also copy-paste subscript or superscript characters from your phone’s symbol keyboard.
Can I display multiple subscripts or superscripts in one line?
Yes. You can combine them using the same syntax inside the equation block. For example, E=mc^{2}_{x} will show both a superscript and subscript together.