Google Sheets does not offer a native subscript text style for cell contents. Paste Unicode characters such as ₂, or use CHAR to build a label such as H₂O.
Paste a subscript character
These are separate text characters, not a style applied to an ordinary digit. To remove one, replace it with the ordinary character.
- Copy ₂ from this article.
- Edit the destination cell.
- Type H, paste ₂, then type O.
- Press Enter to keep H₂O.
Create subscript with CHAR
CHAR uses the decimal Unicode value. The subscript two character is 8322, so the formula below produces H₂O.
="H"&CHAR(8322)&"O"
Copy common subscript characters
Digits: ₀ ₁ ₂ ₃ ₄ ₅ ₆ ₇ ₈ ₉. Signs and parentheses: ₊ ₋ ₌ ₍ ₎. Some letters include ₐ ₑ ₕ ₖ ₗ ₘ ₙ ₒ ₚ ₛ ₜ ₓ.
Use consistent text for matching
H₂O and H2O contain different characters. Keep a consistent representation in lookup keys and filters. If labels are decorative, keep a separate plain-text key for calculations or matching.
Use Google Docs for full typographic control
Google Docs supports real subscript formatting with Ctrl + comma on Windows or Command + comma on Mac.
Styling ordinary characters is different from inserting Unicode characters; do not assume copying styled text converts the character codes.
Check the font and character coverage
Unicode provides selected lowered characters rather than a complete typographic alphabet. Check the exact glyph in your chosen font. For arbitrary formulas in a report, use an editor with actual subscript formatting.
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