Subscript Generator
Type a formula, index or text and copy it as subscript characters you can paste anywhere.
Free, no sign-upRuns in your browserHow we calculate
Letters, digits and basic punctuation are converted; emoji and accented letters are kept as they are.
Subscript styles
Unicode only has 17 subscript letters; b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y and z stay normal.
All 31 styles
Tap Copy next to any style, then paste it into your bio, caption or message.
How the subscript generator works
This subscript generator swaps each digit, sign and supported letter you type for its Unicode subscript character, so typing 2 gives ₂ and typing 12 gives ₁₂. Letters that have a subscript form are lowered too, capitals included (H becomes ₕ), so for a formula convert only the counts. The output is plain text, which means it survives copy and paste into messaging apps, social media bios, emails, spreadsheets and documents where the formatting button of a word processor is not available. Type the part you want lowered, copy the subscript row and paste it after the normal text: H, then ₂, then O makes H₂O.
Which characters have a subscript form
Unicode defines subscript digits 0 to 9, the signs + − = ( ) and exactly 17 letters: a, e, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, r, s, t, u, v and x. There are no subscript forms for the other letters, so b, c, d, f, g, q, w, y and z stay normal size. For chemistry and maths this rarely matters, because formulas mostly need digits.
Worked examples
- Water H₂O, carbon dioxide CO₂ and methane CH₄: type the symbols yourself and paste only the converted counts (₂, ₄) after them.
- Glucose C₆H₁₂O₆ and sulfuric acid H₂SO₄ need several digits in a row, all supported.
- Sequence indices such as a₁, a₂ and xₙ, or log₂ and log₁₀ in a plain-text message.
- Ions that carry a charge, like Ca²⁺, need a raised charge: use the superscript generator for that part.
When subscript text is the wrong tool
Unicode subscripts are small and some fonts draw them slightly differently, so they are best for a handful of characters, not whole sentences. Screen readers may announce each one as "subscript two" or skip it, and a search for "H2O" will not match "H₂O" in some systems, so keep the plain version where searchability matters, for example in a file name or a form field. For a printed report or a paper with many formulas, use the equation or chemistry tools of your editor. For quick messages, bios and captions, copying the characters from this page is the fastest way. The small text generator covers small caps and tiny text.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type a subscript like H₂O?
Type the digit or letter you want lowered in the box, copy the subscript row and paste it after the main text: H + ₂ + O gives H₂O. Digits 0 to 9 and the signs + − = ( ) all have subscript forms.
Why are some letters not lowered?
Unicode only defines 17 subscript letters (a, e, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, r, s, t, u, v, x). The other letters stay in normal size because no subscript character exists for them.
Does subscript text work in Word, Docs and social media?
Yes. The characters are ordinary Unicode, so they paste into Word, Google Docs, WhatsApp, Discord, X and bios. A few older fonts lack the rarer letters and show a box.
How do I write CO₂ or a chemical formula?
Write the element symbols normally and put the counts through the generator: C, O, ₂ gives CO₂, and C₆H₁₂O₆ is glucose. Charges such as Ca²⁺ need the superscript generator.
What is the difference between this and the small text generator?
The small text generator focuses on small caps and tiny text for bios. This page focuses on lowered characters for formulas, indices and footnote markers.