How to Type Superscripts, Subscripts, Left Scripts, Overscripts, and Underscripts

Video Tutorial

Written Tutorial

Enter Math Mode

• If you want to type a math formula, enter Math Mode first.
• For inline math, type $.
• For a display equation on its own line, use Alt/Option + $.

Type Superscripts and Subscripts

• After entering Math Mode, type the base first, such as x.
• Press ^ to add a superscript. For example, type 2 to get x^2.
• Press _ to add a subscript. For example, type i to get x_i.

For example:

$$x_i^2$$

Type Left Superscripts and Left Subscripts

• After entering Math Mode, type the base first, such as A.
• Press Alt/Option + l, then press ^ to add a left superscript.
• Press Alt/Option + l, then press _ to add a left subscript.
• You can also press \ to enter command mode, type lsup or lsub, and press Enter to insert one.

For example:

$${}^\ast T,\quad {}_\alpha X,\quad {}_{92}^{238}\mathrm{U}$$

Type Overscripts and Underscripts

• An overscript is a mark placed directly above the base. Press Alt/Option + a to insert one.
• An underscript is a mark placed directly below the base. Press Alt/Option + b to insert one.
• You can also press \ to enter command mode, type above or below, and press Enter to insert one.
• For operators such as lim, \sum, and \max, underscripts are commonly used for conditions placed underneath.

For example:

$$\overset{n \to \infty}{\longrightarrow},\quad \underset{x \in A}{\max} f(x)$$

Common Shortcuts

• Superscript: ^
• Subscript: _
• Left superscript: Alt/Option + l, then ^
• Left subscript: Alt/Option + l, then _
• Overscript: Alt/Option + a
• Underscript: Alt/Option + b

Optional Reading: How to Type Superscripts, Left Scripts, Overscripts, and Underscripts in LaTeX

In $\LaTeX$, ordinary superscripts use ^, and ordinary subscripts use _. If a superscript or subscript contains more than one character, wrap it in {}.

x^2
x_i
x_i^2
x^{n+1}
x_{i,j}

These render as:

$$x^2,\quad x_i,\quad x_i^2,\quad x^{n+1},\quad x_{i,j}$$

Left scripts can usually be written with an empty group {}:

{}^\ast T
{}_\alpha X
{}^\ast_\alpha T

These render as:

$${}^\ast T,\quad {}_\alpha X,\quad {}^\ast_\alpha T$$

Overscripts and underscripts commonly use \overset{} and \underset{}:

\overset{n \to \infty}{\longrightarrow}
\underset{x \in A}{\max} f(x)

These render as:

$$\overset{n \to \infty}{\longrightarrow},\quad \underset{x \in A}{\max} f(x)$$

If you already have existing $\LaTeX$ code, you can convert it directly in Liii STEM with Magic Paste.