Introduction

Last updated:July 8, 2026

WPS Superscript and Subscript is a text-formatting feature for document editing on iOS; it includes 2 core tasks, with 2 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.

At a Glance

MetricValueNotes
Core tasks2Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index
Available without membership2Matches the number of Free rows in the index
Membership-related items0Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index
Version limitsNone statedThis formatting feature can be used directly
Membership limitsNoneFree users can use it

About This Feature

Overview

Superscript and subscript let you place selected text above or below the baseline. They are useful for mathematical expressions, chemical formulas, footnote references, and footnote numbering.

Core tasks include:

  • Apply superscript: changes selected text to superscript formatting for content such as X².
  • Apply subscript: changes selected text to subscript formatting for content such as H₂O.

This feature fits schoolwork, technical writing, lab notes, and annotated documents. After superscript or subscript is applied, the font size becomes smaller automatically to keep inline formatting clear.

System Requirements

ItemRequirement
Operating systemUse WPS Office for iPhone or iPad
App versionThe latest version of WPS Office is recommended
NetworkNo mandatory network connection is required for local text formatting; downloading, installation, and account-related actions require network access
OtherYou need to be able to open and edit a text document normally

Download & Installation

ItemDetails
Official downloadWPS Office Free Download
Installation methodOpen the official download page and choose the iPhone or iPad version
Post-install checkLaunch WPS, open a document, then open Tools and the Home tab to confirm that the superscript or subscript entry is available

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

DimensionWPSMicrosoftGoogleNotionAdobe
Capability SummaryOn iOS, you can use Tools → Home to apply superscript and subscript for formulas, chemical notation, and footnote numbering.Word supports formatting text as superscript or subscript and provides related controls on the Home tab.Google Docs provides iPhone and iPad keyboard shortcuts for superscript and subscript.Notion supports superscript and subscript through inline equations using ^ and _, but the content is displayed as equation text.Acrobat lets you edit PDF text and apply Superscript or Subscript formatting options.
Official SourceFormat text as superscript or subscript in WordKeyboard shortcuts for Google Docs - iPhone & iPadMath equationsEdit text in PDFs

Advantage: It applies text formatting directly inside the iOS document editor with a clear path under the Home tab, which is convenient for quick mobile editing.

Overall Conclusion
WPS works well for applying superscript and subscript directly in documents on iOS, with a straightforward path for mobile editing. If your work centers more on equation-based input or PDF text editing, other tools may fit those workflows better.

Use Cases

No.ScenarioSuitable ForMain Pain PointHow It Helps
1Entering math expressionsStudents, teachersExponents are hard to present clearly in body textUse superscript for content such as X² and aⁿ
2Writing chemical formulasStudents, researchersElement numbers need standard subscript formattingUse subscript for content such as H₂O and CO₂
3Formatting footnote numbersEditors, writersFootnote numbers can look unclear in running textUse superscript for footnote numbering
4Quick mobile revisionsPhone and tablet usersFine formatting changes are harder while away from a computerApply superscript or subscript directly on iOS
5Revising shared documentsTeam membersSpecial formatting can be missed during collaborationUse a consistent formatting entry to add superscript or subscript

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

FeatureFree UsersWPS Premium
Apply superscript✅ Available✅ Available
Apply subscript✅ Available✅ Available
Basic document editing✅ Available✅ Available
Advanced PDF editing and conversionLimited✅ Available
Template downloadsLimitedMore benefits
Cloud storage1 GB20 GB

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Usage ScenarioRecommended PlanWhy
You only need to enter formulas, chemical notation, or footnotes occasionallyFreeSuperscript and subscript are available directly with no membership requirement
You also need PDF tools, more templates, and more cloud storageWPS PremiumIt adds broader document-related benefits beyond text formatting

How to Subscribe

Source: WPS Office pricing page