Superscript Subscript

Question

So the internet and all the AI help is super misleading on the keyboard shortcuts to use superscript in excel. I have found it in the formatting but cannot make something as simple as X2 (x squared look right) and when i try to place superscript next to a number like 22 with the second 2 displaying as superscript it reverts to 22 on me. I can type out long "" statements that eventually look correct but are not formula correct for computations.

Is it beyond the scope and capability to have 2(superscript 2) displayed how i would write it and be functional to place in a larger formula with =A1+B2 where 2 with the superscript is in A1?

So no form... because its a native change to a cell only semi functions with form if your really nuts?

Answer 1

Dear 07 Patrick Harrington,

Welcome to the Microsoft Community.   Based on the information you have shared, I understand that you seem to want to implement the addition of two texts with idempotents, and I understand what you are trying to achieve.If I have misunderstood your description, I hope you can help me correct it.Unfortunately, I have discussed your problem with my partner and tested it for a long time, and in the design, what you describe is really not feasible, and I will explain why.**1. In Excel, the exponentiation operator is ^, which means that superscripts, such as square (²), cube (³), or power of four (⁴), are just ordinary "characters" and not operators. These superscript characters are used not only to indicate powers of numbers, but also for other uses after letters or words, such as comments or serial number indications.****2. In Excel, the operands of operators must be formatted correctly. For example, the "+" operator requires a string (for concatenation) or a number (for addition) on both sides. Trying to add a cell containing a character like 22² (as a superscript) to a number like 3 will result in an error.**For these two reasons, you cannot concatenate a cell containing something like 22² (a character) as the square of 22 and then use the + operator to combine it with another cell containing a number. We hope the above explanation clarifies your doubts.As we are not Excel developers, if you want to implement more powerful functionality, and to help the development department understand the issue more accurately, we recommend that you post your question or idea (with as much detail as possible, including images, copying videos, etc., if convenient) on the dedicated feedback platform: Ideas · Community (microsoft.com) , where it will be followed and commented on by a dedicated developer. After sending your feedback, you can share the feedback link in this forum, so that other users with similar problems, including me, can vote for your feedback, and the more votes you get, the more likely you are to get attention from the development team.Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks for your understanding and support.

Best wishes

Isabella-MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist