How to Write Subscript 2 in H2O and Superscript in Microsoft Word

How to Write the Little 2 in H2O or as Superscript in Word

The little “2” in H2O is written as a subscript, not a superscript. To write it in Word, you use subscript formatting to place the “2” slightly below the line.

Understanding Subscript vs Superscript

Subscript appears below the normal text line; superscript appears above. In chemical formulas like H2O, the number “2” must be subscript. This keeps the correct chemical notation.

Methods to Insert Subscript 2 in Microsoft Word

• Keyboard Shortcut: Highlight the number 2, then press Ctrl + =. This toggles subscript formatting on and off.
• Using the Ribbon: Select the number 2, then go to the Home tab and click the Subscript button (x2) in the Font group.
• Copy-Paste Unicode: Search “subscript 2 unicode” online and copy the character “2”. Paste it directly after H to write H2O.

Quick Tips for Superscript

Superscript places text above the baseline, used in expressions like x2. In Word, use Ctrl + Shift + = to toggle superscript.

Other Environments

• LaTeX: Use H\textsubscript{2}O or simply H_2O for subscript.
• Reddit and Markdown: Superscripts can appear as Text^(2), but subscripts are generally unsupported.

Summary

• In H2O, “2” is a subscript, positioned below the text line.
• Use Ctrl + = in Word for subscript toggle.
• The Ribbon offers a subscript button for quick access.
• Copy-pasting subscript Unicode characters is a fast alternative.
• Superscript differs by being above the text and uses Ctrl + Shift + =.

How do I type the small ‘2’ in H₂O using Microsoft Word?

Use the subscript feature by pressing Ctrl + =. Then type 2. You can turn subscript on and off with the same shortcut.

What is the difference between subscript and superscript in Word?

Subscript lowers the text below the line, like the 2 in H₂O. Superscript raises it above the line, like ² for squared numbers.

Can I add subscript and superscript buttons to the Word ribbon for faster access?

Yes. You can customize the ribbon and add subscript and superscript buttons there. This makes them easy to find and use.

Is there a way to copy and paste the subscript ₂ symbol into Word?

You can search for “subscript 2 unicode” online, then copy and paste the ₂ symbol directly into Word.

How do I write subscript 2 using LaTeX or in Reddit comments?

In LaTeX, use \textsubscript{2}. For Reddit, use superscript with Text^(2), but subscripts are not supported there.