Superscript and Subscript

There are several approaches to displaying superscript and subscript text on the Web, and each have their uses depending on your needs.

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1. HTML and CSS
2. Using Unicode Values
3. Unicode Chart - New Page
4. Microsoft Word- New Page

HTML and CSS

For most purposes, you can use the  tag to create super script text and  to create sub-script text. See examples below:

Code: x<sup>x+1</sup>
Result: x^x+1

Code: x<sub>i+1</sub>
Result: x_i+1

Note: Although some Web standards professionals recommend avoiding these tags, they are an official XHTML standard.

CSS Styles and the SUP/SUB Tags

You change the CSS attributes of the <sup> and <sub> tags to improve line spacing, formatting and placement of characters. See references below:

• CSS Superscript Spacing
• CSS Lineheight and Vertical Alignment

All CSS Instead?

Some Web standards professionals recommend using CSS formatting instead the <sup> and <sub> tags on the theory that these tags are "presentational." The disadvantage to this approach is that if a user disables your stylesheet, the superscripts and subscripts will disappear.

However, if you are more comfortable with using the CSS attributes, you can refer to these pages.

• CSS Superscript Using Relative Position (Scroll to July 30)
• CSS Vertical Align Property (Includes Superscript and subscript)

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Using Unicode Values

Many common superscript and subscript characters have their own Unicode entries and entity codes. If your Web page is generated from a database or meant to be a searchable archive, the use of Unicode values may be preferable.

• Math superscripts
• Phonetic superscripts (look under specific letters)

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Microsoft Word

See updated instructions on the Microsoft Office page.

 

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Wednesday, 19-Dec-2012 16:53:24 EST