You type x12 in Google Docs, but the exponent stays on the same line as the base. Superscript formatting raises it into place in a few clicks. Below are the menu steps, keyboard shortcuts, and phone options, plus the equation editor for mathematical expressions.
Raise an exponent with superscript
Superscript turns ordinary text into a raised exponent in the desktop web editor.
Type the base followed by the exponent, such as x12. Select only the exponent, which is 12 in this example. Choose Format > Text > Superscript.
To format an exponent before entering it, choose Format > Text > Superscript immediately after typing the base. Type your exponent. Select Format > Text > Superscript again to resume ordinary text.
Use a keyboard shortcut for faster formatting
For repeated exponents on desktop, the shortcut saves trips through the menus. It works on Windows, ChromeOS, and Mac.
Highlight the text you want to raise. Press Ctrl + . on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command + . on Mac. The final key is a period; do not add Shift.
For an exponent you have not typed yet, press the same shortcut immediately after the base to turn superscript on. Enter the exponent. Press the shortcut again to turn superscript off before continuing your sentence.
Paste raised characters on your phone or tablet
Copy the characters you need from this set: ⁰¹²³⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸⁹⁺⁻⁽⁾. For common powers, copy ², ³, or ⁻¹ directly.
Open your document in the Google Docs app. Tap Edit.
On Android, touch and hold the insertion point after the base. On iPhone or iPad, tap the insertion point after the base. Tap Paste.
To use a connected hardware keyboard instead, select the exponent text in your open document. Press Ctrl + . on Android or Command + . on iPhone or iPad.
Pasted Unicode superscripts are individual characters, so they do not turn on superscript formatting for whatever you type next.
Build an exponent inside an equation
The desktop equation editor puts a power inside a mathematical expression.
Choose Insert > Symbols > Equation. To enter x cubed, type \superscript. Press Space. Type x.
Press Enter. Type 3. Press Enter again.
Insert a special character for squared or cubed
For a single raised symbol on desktop, place your cursor after the base. Open Insert > Symbols > Special characters.
Find the character by category or Unicode value, or draw it in the box on the right. U+00B2 is ², and U+00B3 is ³.
Click the matching result to insert it. Available characters depend on Unicode coverage and the font. These symbols are individual characters rather than superscript formatting.
Try Tool finder when the shortcut fails
Google notes that shortcuts vary by keyboard or language. On desktop, Tool finder gives you another way to activate Superscript.
Select the exponent text. Press Alt + / on Windows or ChromeOS, or Option + / on Mac. Search for Superscript. Activate the matching Superscript command.
If the formatting does not apply, use Format > Text > Superscript with only the exponent selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does typing x^12 automatically create an exponent?
Outside an equation editor, x^12 stays ordinary text and does not raise the exponent. Apply superscript formatting to 12 to raise it.
Can I copy an existing formatted exponent in Google Docs?
Yes. Copy the formatted exponent, then use ordinary paste with Ctrl + V on Windows or ChromeOS, or Command + V on Mac to preserve its formatting.
Can I edit Google Docs equations on my phone?
No. Google states that native equations cannot be edited on mobile devices. Use the desktop web editor to edit them.
Do I need an add-on to type exponents?
No. Superscript formatting and the native equation editor work without an add-on. Optional math tools such as MathType and Equatio require separate installation and access to their features.