Squared Symbol ² Copy and Paste — Superscript Numbers
Superscript and subscript numbers as real Unicode characters, so x², m³ and H₂O keep their look anywhere you paste them.
Superscript Numbers & Signs
Subscript Numbers & Letters
Units & Formulas
Keyboard shortcuts & HTML codes
Windows Alt codes need the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. On Mac, hold Option (⌥) while pressing the key.
| Symbol | Name | Windows | Mac | HTML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ¹ | Superscript One | Alt+0185 | — | ¹ |
| ² | Superscript Two (Squared) | Alt+0178 | — | ² |
| ³ | Superscript Three (Cubed) | Alt+0179 | — | ³ |
| ⁿ | Superscript Small Letter N | Alt+252 | — | — |
Unicode Superscripts vs. Formatting
Word and Google Docs can format any character as superscript — Ctrl + Shift + = in Word, or Ctrl + . (Cmd + . on a Mac) in Google Docs — but that formatting is lost when you paste into Instagram, a text message, a filename or any plain-text field. The characters on this page, like ², ³ and ₂, are separate Unicode characters, so they keep their raised or lowered look anywhere text goes. That makes them ideal for units like m² and km², chemistry like H₂O and CO₂, and quick math like x² + y² in a chat.
How to Type ² and ³
On Windows, hold Alt and type 0178 on the numeric keypad for ², 0179 for ³ and 0185 for ¹. On a Mac there’s no default shortcut — open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space and search “superscript.” In HTML, use ², ³ and ¹. Unicode only includes superscript forms for digits, a few math signs and some letters; to turn whole words into tiny text, try the small text styles in our Fancy Text Generator.