How to type exponents in MS Word

Exponents are widely used in different types of writing. They are typically added to point to a footnote or an endnote in most documents.

If you’re writing a scientific paper, you’ll find exponents all over the place. 

In this tutorial we will be sharing 4 methods to type exponents in MS Word

4 Ways to Type Exponents in MS Word

  • Using the Superscript button in the Ribbon
  • Using the Font Dialogue box
  • Using a shortcut key
  • Using the Equation Tool

Method 1: Using the Superscript Button in the Ribbon

Step 1: Open up an MS Word document. 

 

Step 2: Select the text you want in exponent form. 

Once your Word document is open, highlight the text you want to be written in exponent form. 

Step 3: Click the Superscript button. 

In the Font group, click the Superscript button right below the font size drop-down menu

Note that you will have to click the button again to deactivate it so you could go back to typing in the regular form. 


Method 2: Using the Font Dialogue Box

Since superscript is a font property, we can access the Font dialogue box to type exponents while applying other text formats. This way, you can use different formatting options and preview the changes all at the same window. 

Step 1: Open up an MS Word document.

Step 2: Select the text you want in exponent form. 

Now, select the text that you need to convert into an exponent form. 

Step 3: Launch the Font Dialogue box. 

After that, move your cursor to the bottom-right corner of the Font group and click the Down Arrow icon.

This will launch the Font Dialogue box in the middle of your window. 

With the window on your screen, look for Effects.

You should find this on the left side of your window. From there, tick or check the Superscript option

You will see a preview of the changes in the Preview box found at the bottom of the dialogue box. 


Method 3: Using a Shortcut Key

This method is the quickest way to start typing exponents. You can activate and deactivate the superscript formatting using the same keys on your keyboard. 

Step 1: Open up an MS Word document.

Step 2: Select the text you want in exponent form. 

Now that you have your Word document opened, select the text that you want in exponent form.

On your keyboard, press the keys CTRL + Shift + =.

Alternatively, you can go ahead and hit the shortcut keys right away and start typing your text in exponent form. 

Press the shortcut keys again to deactivate the function. 


Method 4: Using the Equation Tool 

Step 1: Open up an MS Word document.

Step 2: Go to the Insert tab. 

Navigate the Ribbon and select the Insert tab. You’ll find this next to the Home tab.

Move your cursor all the way to the left side of the Ribbon and click the Equation button

  1. Select the Insert tab in the Ribbon. 
  2. Click the Equation drop-down menu button

This will display the equation editor box right where your cursor is at.

You should also notice a handful of equation tools spanning across the Ribbon. 

Step 3: Click the Script drop-down menu. 

Somewhere around the middle part of the Equation Tools, click the Script drop-down menu.

This will display several options for inserting superscripts and subscripts. Select the first option from the choices.

Note that you have to click on the small box to start typing exponents. 

In addition, you should also be able to type in an entire equation inside the equation editor box.

You will have to click outside this box to go back to the body of your document. 


Deleting Exponents in MS Word

Deleting exponents in your Word document is as easy as adding them.

To delete them, select the exponents and hit the Delete key on your keyboard.

If you used the fourth method, you can delete the whole equation by selecting the equation box and pressing the Delete key on your keyboard.


Conclusion

We hope you’ve found this article helpful! 

We have written a similar post for Google Docs.

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