Welcome to an in-depth guide showcasing a variety of techniques for embedding or typing the Superscript 2 Symbol or Sign (²) in Word/Excel, specifically through a Windows keyboard.
This tutorial covers all the straightforward methods, including the efficient Superscript 2 Alt code shortcut tailored for Microsoft Word users.
Let’s dive right in without further ado.
Quick Guide for typing the Superscript 2 symbol Text (²)
To type the Superscript 2 Symbol in Word/Excel, press down the Alt key and type 0178 using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard.
The table below contains a lot of information you need to be able to type this symbol on your Windows PC.
| Name of Symbol | Superscript 2 |
| Symbol Text | ² |
| Alt Code in Word | 0178 |
| Shortcut in Word | Alt + 0178 |
Getting into the Details
If you are using Windows, the above information is enough for you to insert the Superscript 2 (²) sign into your Microsoft Word document.
However, if you are not satisfied with this quick help, keep reading below as I will explain in detail, how to get the Superscript 2 symbol or any other symbol anywhere on your Mac or Windows PC like in MS Word/Excel/PowerPoint.
As you may already know, there are several dual-purpose keys on the keyboard for both Windows and Mac. That is to say that there are symbols readily available as second keys on the keyboard. Just by pressing two or more keys simultaneously, you can easily insert such symbols into your work. For instance, pressing Shift + 6 keys give you the Caret (^) sign.
However, other symbols aren’t printed on the keyboard as second keys. This makes it difficult to type. One of these symbols is this (²).
Typing becomes very difficult for you if you need to add some of these symbols regularly into your work.
But it doesn’t have to be difficult. Especially now that you are reading this step-by-step guide.
How to Insert Superscript 2 Symbol Text in Word
In the following sections, I will show you all the easy ways to type or insert this symbol (²) anywhere on your Windows or Mac PC (such as Word or Excel or PowerPoint).
As a quick guide, press 00B2, Alt+X on your keyboard to type the Superscript 2 symbol in Microsoft Word. This shortcut works in Word only. You can also press Alt + 0178 which works anywhere on Windows.
However, without any further ado, below are the methods explained into details.
Method 1: Superscript 2 Symbol Shortcuts (in Word)
Windows has several shortcuts, some of these shortcuts works only in Microsoft Word. The Superscript 2 shortcut is one of them.
The Superscript 2 Symbol shortcut for Microsoft Word is 00B2, Alt+X.
This shortcut works in Microsoft Word and in Windows only.
To use this shortcut, obey the following instructions:
- Place the insertion pointer in the right place.
- Type 00B2 on your keyboard, then press Alt + X. This will convert the code (00B2) into the Superscript 2 symbol at where you place the insertion pointer.
In the next section, I’ll show you how to use the Superscript 2 Symbol Text Alt Code to type the symbol on your keyboard.
Method 2: Superscript 2 Alt Code (Windows)
The Superscript 2 (²) Symbol Alt Code is 0178 in Microsoft Windows Only
Every symbol in Word has a unique code that you can use to insert the symbol into your document. This code is well known as “Alt code”.
Below are the steps to type this symbol on your keyboard (using the Alt code provided above:
- Press the num lock key to enable the numeric keypad. Use Fn key + NumLk keys to turn on Num Lock on laptops without the numeric keypad.
- Press and hold the Alt key and type 0178 using the numeric keypad.
- After typing the Alt code (i.e. 0178), release the [Alt] key you pressed down.
As soon as you release the Alt Key, the Superscript 2 (²) Symbol Text should appear in your document.
Method 3: Copy and paste Superscript 2 Symbol Text
My favorite method for inserting symbols I can’t easily type is copy and paste.
With this method, all you need to do is google the symbol you need to type, then copy it from one of the search results provided. Once you get the symbol into your document, you can always recopy and paste it as and when the need arises.
Use the button below to copy and paste the Superscript 2 text for your work.
Method 4: Using Insert Symbol Dialog
This approach isn’t as straight forward as the shortcut methods. But it’s fairly simple.
And once you get the symbol into your document, you can always copy and paste it again as and when you need it in your work.
Below are the steps to insert the Superscript 2 Sign in Word using the insert symbol dialog.
- Go to the Insert tab.
- On the Insert tab, click the Symbol button and choose More Symbols…
These few clicks will bring up the Symbol dialog box.
- Under the Symbols tab, in the Font drop-down list, type in and select Normal text. Then type 00B2 in the Character Code box. As soon as you type this code, the superscript Two symbol will appear selected.
- Click to select the symbol, and then click on the Insert button.
- Alternatively, double-clicking on the symbol will also insert the symbol into your document.
- Click the Close button.
This is how you may insert a Superscript 2 symbol text in Word using the insert symbol dialog.
Method 5: How to Insert the Superscript 2 Symbol in Word using the Equation Tool
Microsoft Word and Excel are equipped with a robust feature known as the Equation Tool, crafted to manage a broad array of mathematical and scientific symbols, including superscripts.
This section will show you the process for embedding the superscript 2 symbol in Word and Excel documents using the Equation Tool.
Step 1: Open the Equation Tool
- Launch your Microsoft Word document.
- Position your cursor at the desired insertion point for the superscript 2 symbol.
- Navigate to the “Insert” tab located on the Ribbon.
- Within the “Symbols” group, click on “Equation.” A drop-down menu will appear.
- From the dropdown, select “Insert New Equation.” This action will open the “Equation Tools Design” tab, providing access to numerous mathematical structures and symbols.
Step 2: Insert Superscript
- In the “Equation Tools Design” tab, locate the “Script” button in the “Structures” group.
- Click on the “Script” button. A dropdown menu with various scripting options, including superscript and subscript, will be displayed.
- Select the superscript format (a box positioned above another box) from the dropdown. This action will insert a superscript structure into your document.
- Click in the upper box of the superscript structure that appeared in your document.
Step 3: Enter the Superscript 2 Symbol
- With the cursor in the upper box of the superscript structure, type the number 2. This action inserts the number 2 as a superscript.
- If necessary, you can type the base number before the superscript structure. For example, to denote “3 to the power 2,” type “3” followed by the steps above to insert the superscript 2.
Additional Tips
- For quick access to common superscripts, you can also use shortcuts (Alt + 0178) or the Symbol dialog box in Word. However, for precise formatting and additional mathematical symbols, the Equation Tool offers comprehensive options.
- The Equation Tool is not only limited to inserting superscripts but also enables the creation of complex mathematical equations and structures, enhancing the versatility of your Word documents.
Conclusion
As demonstrated, there are multiple approaches to inputting or typing the Superscript 2 symbol in Word/Excel using the keyboard.
Personally, I prefer the simplicity of the copy-and-paste technique, closely followed by the shortcut method in Word. The Alt Code strategy is also straightforward and works everywhere and not in MS Word only.
Should you have any remarks or inquiries regarding this tutorial, feel free to share them in the comments section below.
Thank you for taking the time to read.