Office Settings & Configuration

How to Fix Superscript Ordinals Option Not Working in Word 2016

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user is unable to get Word 2016 to automatically format ordinal numbers (such as 1st, 2nd) with superscript, despite having enabled the related AutoCorrect settings.

How to Fix the Superscript Ordinals Option in Word 2016

Product: Microsoft Word 2016
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing ordinal numbers in a document and expecting them to automatically format with superscript as part of the AutoCorrect workflow.
Observed behavior: The ordinal numbers remain in standard text format and do not automatically convert to superscript when typing.

Before you start

Keep in mind that AutoFormat As You Type settings only apply to new text as you type it. Existing text or pasted content will not be automatically reformatted into superscript.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify AutoFormat As You Type Settings

Ensure that the specific option for ordinals is enabled in the correct AutoCorrect tab, as Word separates general AutoFormat from real-time typing options.

Word has multiple tabs within the AutoCorrect dialog. Checking the standard 'AutoFormat' tab is not enough; the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab dictates real-time superscript behavior.

Open Word Options

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the Word interface, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.

Navigate to AutoCorrect Options

In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left pane, then click the 'AutoCorrect Options' button.

Enable Ordinals Setting

Switch to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab. Check the box that says 'Ordinals (1st) with superscript' and click 'OK' to save your changes.

Typing Trigger: The automatic conversion to superscript only triggers after you press the Spacebar or a punctuation mark immediately following the ordinal.

Solution 2

Test in Safe Mode and Repair Office

If the settings are correct but the feature still fails, a corrupted add-in or Office installation file might be causing the issue.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Try WPS Office for Seamless and Bug-Free Formatting

If Word 2016 continues to experience AutoCorrect glitches or registry errors, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with robust formatting tools that work seamlessly out of the box.

1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the free download button to get the setup file.
2. Install the Software: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files directly. AutoCorrect features like ordinals will work automatically.

Automatically formats ordinals and fractions reliablyFully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsLightweight design with exceptionally fast startup timesFree to use with a familiar, easy-to-navigate user interface

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do ordinals not change to superscript for pasted text?

The 'AutoFormat As You Type' feature only triggers when you physically type the spacebar or punctuation after the ordinal. It does not retroactively format pasted or pre-existing text in the document.

Can I manually apply superscript to ordinals if AutoCorrect fails?

Yes. Highlight the text you want to superscript, navigate to the Home tab, and click the Superscript icon (x²) in the Font group. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Plus sign (+).

Does modifying the registry fix the ordinals AutoCorrect bug?

While deleting Word registry keys (like the Data key) can reset corrupted user preferences, it is generally recommended to try Word Options, Safe Mode, and Office Repair first, as registry edits carry system risks.

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