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How to Use Subscript and Superscript in OneNote for Android

Maira MehtabMaira Mehtab Oct 10, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to know how to apply subscript and superscript text formatting within the OneNote application on an Android device.

How to Use Subscript and Superscript in OneNote for Android
Product
Microsoft OneNote
Device & OS
Android
Scenario
Typing mathematical equations, chemical formulas, or formatted text notes on an Android tablet or smartphone.
Observed behavior
Standard desktop keyboard shortcuts for subscript and superscript do not work on Android, requiring the user to locate specific formatting commands within the mobile app interface.
Before you start

Ensure you have the latest version of the Microsoft OneNote app installed from the Google Play Store, as older versions may lack advanced font formatting features.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Mobile Text-Formatting Menu

Access the built-in font options in the OneNote Android app to apply subscript and superscript formatting manually.

Since keyboard shortcuts like 'Ctrl + =' are not reliably supported on the Android version of OneNote, formatting must be applied using the application's native toolbar.

1
Open or create a note

Launch the OneNote app on your Android tablet or smartphone and open the specific note you want to edit, or create a new one.

2
Select the text location

Tap on the screen where you want to insert the formatted text, or double-tap to highlight existing text you wish to format.

3
Open font options

Tap the 'Format' button in the toolbar menu, then tap the 'Aa' icon to reveal the extended font formatting options.

4
Apply subscript or superscript

Tap the superscript (x²) or subscript (x₂) button to apply the formatting to your selected text.

Use the Mobile Text-Formatting Menu
Feature Availability: If the 'Aa' formatting commands are missing, your device's specific version of OneNote might not support them. You may need to update the app or use an alternative mobile word processor.
Free Microsoft Office alternative

Format Documents Easily on Android with WPS Office

If your current mobile app lacks the advanced formatting tools you need, try WPS Office. It provides comprehensive rich text editing on Android, including easy subscript and superscript options, while maintaining perfect compatibility with desktop document formats.

  1. 1. Install the app: Download WPS Office from the Google Play Store and open a new Document.
  2. 2. Select your text: Type your mathematical or chemical formula and highlight the specific characters to format.
  3. 3. Apply formatting: Tap the 'Tools' menu, navigate to the 'Home' tab, select 'Font', and choose the Subscript or Superscript icon.
Easily apply subscript and superscript formatting on any Android tablet or smartphone.High compatibility with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint file formats.Lightweight, free, and intuitive alternative for mobile productivity.Seamless cloud syncing across your mobile devices and desktop computers.
microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren't my keyboard shortcuts for superscript working on my Android tablet?

Android operating systems handle keyboard inputs differently than Windows or macOS. Physical or virtual keyboard shortcuts designed for the desktop version of OneNote (like Ctrl + Shift + +) are often not supported, meaning you must use the mobile app's touch menu.

Can I use subscript and superscript on a smartphone version of OneNote?

Yes, as long as your app is updated. The formatting tools are available on both Android tablets and smartphones, though the toolbar layout may be more condensed on a phone screen. Look for the 'Aa' icon to find these options.

What should I do if the 'Aa' font button is completely missing?

First, check the Google Play Store to ensure your OneNote app is fully updated. If the option is still absent, your specific device model may have compatibility limitations. In this case, switching to an alternative app like WPS Office can provide the missing formatting tools.