Excel: Simulating Subscripts and Superscripts with Text Boxes

ID: Q80235

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, versions 3.0, 4.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, versions 3.0, 4.0
  • Microsoft Excel for OS/2, version 3.0

SUMMARY

The versions of Microsoft Excel listed above do not do not have a built-in format for creating subscripts and superscripts; however, subscript and superscript text can be simulated by placing a floating text box containing the text to be subscript or superscript above a cell or another text box.

Care must be taken to make sure the floating text box continues to be positioned correctly if the underlying text is modified or moved.

NOTE: This information does not apply to later versions of Microsoft Excel.


MORE INFORMATION

The following procedure creates a text box containing the word "doughnut" with a subscript number 1 on the letter "t."

  1. Create a text box using the text box button on the tool bar.


  2. Type doughnut.


  3. Create a new text box and type 1 in the box.


  4. Click the border of the text box and drag it so that the number 1 appears to the right and below the "t" in "doughnut."


  5. From the Format menu, choose Pattern, and select None for both Border and Fill. This allows the characters in "doughnut" to show through the subscript text box.


  6. Use the selection tool in the tool bar to select both text boxes, and choose Group from the Format menu.


  7. Drag the group to its final location.


Using a similar method, you can create the effect of subscripts or superscripts in cells. Multiple subscripts or superscripts can be placed in a single text box.

If subscript or superscript boxes are created before the main text, you may need to choose Bring To Front from the Format menu to layer the subscript or superscript text boxes on top of the main text box. The first text box created is the lowest layer, the second text box is the next layer up, and so on.


REFERENCES

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide 1," version 4.0, pages 216-217, 282-283

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," for the Macintosh, version 3.0, pages 177-178, 235-237

"Microsoft Excel User's Guide," for Windows, version 3.0, pages 185-186, 242-243

Additional query words: 3.0 noupd

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Last Reviewed: March 23, 1999
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