Add Exponents to Microsoft Word

This article teaches you how to create an exponent (such as the "2" in <math>3^2</math>) in Microsoft Word on your desktop computer.

10 Second Summary

1. Open Microsoft Word.
2. Click Blank document.
3. Type in your equation.
4. Highlight the desired number.
5. Click <math>x^2</math>.

Steps

1. Open Microsoft Word. Its icon resembles a blue background with a white "W" on top.
   • If you'd rather edit an existing document, simply double-click the document in question.
2. Click Blank document. It's in the top-left corner of the templates page.
   • If you're editing an existing document, skip this step.
3. Type in your equation with no formatting. Since you'll be applying the formatting later, simply type the numbers you want to turn into exponents, along with the rest of your equation, all in sequence.
   • For example, if you want to format your equation to read <math>x^2+y^4=20</math>, you'd first type "x2+y4=20".
4. Highlight a prospective exponent number. To do so, click and drag your cursor over the number. This should highlight it in grey.
5. Click <math>x^2</math>. This button, known as the "Superscript" button, is in the bottom row of "Font" options that are listed at the top of the Word page. Doing so will immediately convert the highlighted number into an exponent.
   • You can also use the shortcut Ctrl+⇧ Shift++ to turn the highlighted number into an exponent.
6. Click anywhere on the Word page. Doing so will return your text formatting to Word's default, allowing you to continue typing normally.

Tips

• You can also apply superscript formatting to letters or symbols.

Warnings

• If you keep typing after converting the number to an exponent without clicking elsewhere first, your typed text will continue to use the same size of font as the exponent.

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