Writing Subscripts in Equations (Google Docs Tutorial)

Are you working on a document that requires you to write mathematical or scientific equations? If so, you may come across the need to add subscripts to these equations. Thankfully, Google Docs offers a convenient solution for adding subscripts within its equation editor tool.

To utilize subscript formatting, simply insert the equation editor into your document then type the base characters of the equation. Next position your cursor next to the character in the equation where you want to introduce a subscript. Then, press “Shift + hyphen (-)” to descend to the subscript level, and type the desired character as the subscript.

By following these simple steps, you can incorporate subscripted characters into your equations. In this article, we will guide you through two methods for creating equations with subscripts in Google Docs using the equation editor tool.

Step 1 – Open Google Docs

1 – Launch your web browser and navigate to Google Docs.

2 – Open a new, or the specific document where you wish to incorporate subscripts.

Step 2 – Insert An Equation Into Your Document

1 – Position your cursor at the desired location where you want to insert the equation.

2 – Click on the “Insert” option located in the toolbar.

3 – In the drop-down menu, select “Equation”.

You will notice a new text box, accompanied by a new toolbar. This toolbar includes convenient drop-down menus for Greek letters, miscellaneous operations, relations, math operators, and arrows.

Step 3: Write The Equation and Add Subscripts

Method 1:

1 – In the equation toolbar, click on the “Math Operators” icon.

2 – Choose the appropriate operator that represents a base character with a subscript from the list.

3 – Within the equation editor, type the base text to which you want to add the subscript.

4 – Press the right directional arrow key on your keyboard to descend to the subscript level.

5 – Type the character(s) you wish to use as a subscript.

6 – Press the right directional arrow key again to return to the regular equation.

7 – Repeat these steps to complete the remainder of the equation.

Method 2:

Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Shift + hyphen (-)” to add subscripts in equations.

1 – Insert the equation editor into your document.

2 – Begin the equation by typing the initial characters.

3 – Press the keys “Shift + hyphen (-)” simultaneously to transition to the subscript level.

4 – Enter the character(s) you want to use as a subscript.

5 – Press the right arrow key to return to the base equation.

6 – Repeat these steps to write the rest of the equation and add subscripts as needed.

To sum It up

Throughout this article, we have explored the process of incorporating subscripts into equations within Google Docs. 

Subscripts play a crucial role in mathematical and scientific formulas, enabling clear differentiation between variables and values.

Equipped with this newfound knowledge, you now possess the skills to confidently compose mathematical equations, chemical formulas, and various other forms of technical writing within Google Docs.

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