Subscripts and superscripts play a crucial role in expressing scientific notations, mathematical formulas, and various linguistic elements. Whether you're a student jotting down chemical equations, a researcher documenting mathematical hypotheses, or a writer emphasizing footnotes, understanding how to seamlessly integrate this category of markdown can significantly enhance your content.
If you're using Notion for class notes, math problems, or chemistry formulas, or if you write in a language that uses subscripts and superscripts in literature, this guide is for you. We will demonstrate how to use this markdown in Notion.
Let’s get started.
How to superscript text in Notion?
A superscript is a character or symbol that appears in a smaller size and is positioned slightly above the baseline of the regular text line. This convention is employed to signify various elements, such as exponents, footnotes. For instance, in the mathematical expression "45" the "5" is in superscript, indicating that 4 is raised to the power of 5.
Let’s replicate the same example in Notion. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Type “/math” where you want to use the superscript
This will prompt Notion to open a view with two Notion block options — Block Equation and Inline Equation. You can select either option.
You can alternatively use the shortcut for writing superscripts in Notion to create the same block — CMD + Shift + e on Mac or CTRL + Shift + e on Windows.
2. Type the subscript formula and click on the “Done” button
Use the caret symbol (^) right before the number that you want to appear as superscript.
As demonstrated in the above image, the equation “4^5” turns the “5” into superscript.
How to use superscripts in Notion?
Here are some popular use-cases on superscripts in Notion:
1. Mathematical Notations
Transforming `2^3` into `2³` in Notion to visually represent "2 cubed" or using superscripts for other mathematical expressions like `5²` for "5 squared."
2. Ordinal Numbers
Using superscripts to denote sequence or order, like 1ˢᵗ, 2ⁿᵈ, and 3ʳᵈ, creating well-formatted lists in Notion.
3. Scientific Notation
Representing large or small numbers concisely, for instance, expressing `1.5 × 10⁸` as superscript notation in Notion.
4. Footnotes and References
Annotating information with superscripts in Notion, such as marking footnotes or referencing sources for a comprehensive and organized document.
5. Units of Measurement
Clarifying measurements in Notion, for example, using superscripts for square (`m²`) or cubic (`m³`) units in scientific or mathematical content.
6. Linguistic Symbols
Enhancing linguistic annotations in Notion, like using superscripts to denote specific phonetic features or modifications in language studies.
7. Trademark Usage
Indicating registered trademarks, such as writing `Nike®` in Notion documents for a polished and professional appearance.
8. Cryptography Notations
Employing superscripts in Notion for cryptographic documentation, such as indicating powers or operations within algorithms.
9. Demographic Statistics
Using superscripts to represent growth rates, percentages, or exponentials in demographic data tables within Notion for clear and organized presentations.
How to subscript text in Notion?
Subscript denotes a character or symbol that appears in a smaller size and is positioned slightly below the baseline of the regular text line. This formatting convention is commonly utilized in writing and typography to signify elements like chemical subscripts, mathematical indices, or footnotes. For instance, in the chemical formula H₂O, the "2" is a subscript indicating the presence of two hydrogen atoms in the molecule.
Let’s replicate the same example in Notion. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Type “/math” where you want to use the subscript
This will prompt Notion to open a view with two Notion block options — Block Equation and Inline Equation. You can select either option.
You can alternatively use the shortcut for writing subscripts in Notion to create the same block — CMD + Shift + e on Mac or CTRL + Shift + e on Windows.
2. Type the subscript formula and click on the “Done” button
Use the symbol (_) right before the number that you want to appear as subscript.
As visible in the above image, the equation “H2O” turns the “2” into subscript.
How to use subscripts in Notion?
Here are some popular use-cases of subscripts in Notion:
1. Chemical Formulas
Representing chemical compounds and molecules, such as H₂O for water or CO₂ for carbon dioxide, where the subscript denotes the number of atoms.
2. Mathematical Equations
Writing mathematical expressions that involve indices or coefficients, like aₙ for the nth term in a sequence or x₂ for the second variable.
3. Isotopes and Atomic Notation
Describing isotopes of elements, for instance, representing carbon-14 as ¹⁴C with the subscript denoting the atomic mass.
4. Programming Code
Displaying variables or parameters in programming code snippets, making it easier to distinguish elements within the code.
5. Footnotes and References
Marking footnotes or references in academic or research documents, creating a clear and organized way to provide additional information.
6. Mathematical Notations
Indicating subscripts in mathematical expressions, such as aₙ for sequences or CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for alkanes, where n represents a variable.
7. Labels and Annotations
Adding labels or annotations to data tables or charts, enhancing the presentation of specific details within the content.
8. Physical Units
Using subscripts to denote units in physical measurements, like m₁ for mass in the first object or v₂ for velocity of the second object.
9. Variables in Formulas
Incorporating subscripts to represent variables in formulas, improving the readability of complex mathematical or scientific equations.
Here’s why your Notion superscript or subscripts are not working
1. Formatting Syntax Errors
Check if you are using the correct syntax for superscripts. In Notion, the typical syntax is using the caret (^), such as `2^3` for 2³.
2. Block Type Compatibility
Superscripts might not work in certain block types. Confirm that you are attempting to use superscripts in a block type that supports this formatting, ensuring compatibility for a seamless experience.
3. Browser Compatibility
Ensure that you are using a browser that is fully supported by Notion. Sometimes, certain browser extensions or outdated browsers can cause formatting issues.
4. Rich Text vs. Code Block
If you are working within a Notion code block, formatting might not behave as expected. Ensure you are using rich text or the appropriate block type for your content.
5. Browser Extensions
Some browser extensions might interfere with Notion's functionality. Try disabling extensions one by one to identify if any are causing the problem.
6. Cache and Cookies
Clear your browser cache and cookies, as cached data might lead to unexpected behavior.
FAQs
How do you superscript more than one character in Notion?
You need to use the curly brackets “{}” to superscript more than one character in Notion. For example, while “2^3” will return 23, “2^{abc} will return 2abc. The three characters - abc - appear as Notion subscript text.
How do you write a square in Notion?
You can write a square in Notion by using the caret (^) operator inside the Inline Equation Notion block.
Can you do subscripts in Notion?
You can write subscripts in Notion by using the “_” operator inside the Inline Equation Notion block.
How to write Notion subscripts with multiple characters?
To subscript multiple characters in Notion, use the curly brackets “{}” . For example, while “H_2O” will return H2O, the “C_nH_{2n}” Notion subscript formula will return CnH2n.
