WPS Superscript and Subscript on iOS: Introduction

Last updated:July 15, 2026

WPS Superscript and Subscript on iOS lets you format selected text as superscript or subscript; this guide covers 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 guidanceUse the latest WPS Office appHelps you see the latest editing entry points and layout

About This Feature

Overview

Superscript and subscript in WPS Office for iOS are text-formatting tools for placing selected characters above or below the baseline. They are useful for math expressions, chemical formulas, footnote markers, and similar document formatting tasks.

Core tasks include:

  • Apply superscript: display selected text in a raised position for squares, exponents, or footnote markers.
  • Apply subscript: display selected text in a lowered position for chemical formulas, indexed variables, or formula notation.

This feature is useful for students, teachers, researchers, and everyday document editors who need quick mobile formatting.

System Requirements

ItemRequirement
OSAn iPhone or iPad that can run WPS Office normally
App versionThe latest version of WPS Office is recommended
NetworkNo required connection for local superscript or subscript editing; internet is needed for download, sign-in, or sync
OtherOpen an editable document and make sure you have permission to edit text

Download & Installation

Install WPS Office on your iPhone or iPad before using superscript and subscript.

ItemDetails
Official DownloadWPS Office Free Download
InstallationOpen the download page, choose the iPhone or iPad version, and follow the on-screen steps
Post-install CheckOpen a document, then check the Tools and Home areas for superscript or subscript controls

Source: WPS Download Center

Compare with Alternatives

DimensionWPSMicrosoftGoogleNotionAdobe
Capability SummaryOn iOS, WPS lets you set superscript and subscript from the document editing interface through Tools and Home for common text formatting.Microsoft Word officially supports superscript and subscript from the Home tab, and also documents keyboard shortcuts and font dialog options.Google Docs officially documents superscripts and subscripts mainly through equation entry and equation shortcuts, which are more equation-focused.Notion mainly handles superscript and subscript through math equations and KaTeX syntax such as ^ and _, rather than a traditional word-processing text-format button path.Adobe Acrobat officially supports adding superscript or subscript while editing text in PDFs, which fits PDF revision workflows.
WPS AdvantagesAdvantage: the mobile editing path is direct for common document formatting. Distinct: it supports everyday text layout needs without switching into equation input first.Compared with WPS: Word's official guidance emphasizes Home-tab controls, shortcuts, and font settings, with stronger desktop-oriented instructions.Compared with WPS: Google Docs documentation focuses more on equation tools and equation shortcuts than standard text-formatting flow.Compared with WPS: Notion is more suitable for equation-style input with KaTeX syntax than a standard text-formatting workflow.Compared with WPS: Acrobat provides this capability inside PDF text editing, so the use case is more centered on PDF updates than document drafting.
Official SourceFormat text as superscript or subscript in WordUse equations in a documentMath equationsEdit text in PDFs

Overall Conclusion: WPS is a practical choice for how to use superscript and subscript on iPhone or iPad during everyday document editing. Compared with tools that focus more on desktop controls, equation syntax, or PDF revision, WPS fits a more direct mobile document-formatting workflow.

Use Cases

#ScenarioTarget UsersCore Pain PointSolution
1Entering math expressionsStudents, teachersNeed to type squares, exponents, and similar notation on mobileUse superscript to format text such as x² or a³
2Editing chemical formulasStudents, researchersNeed to enter characters such as H₂O or CO₂ correctlyUse subscript to lower the number characters
3Organizing footnote markersEditors, office usersNeed clearer separation between markers and body textUse superscript for footnote numbers
4Marking indexed variablesScience and engineering usersVariable indexes are hard to show in plain textUse subscript for text such as x₁ or a₂
5Quick mobile formattingEveryday document usersNeed to finish basic formatting while away from a desktopUse the Tools and Home path to apply the format quickly

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

FeatureFree UserWPS Member
Basic superscript and subscript formatting✅ Available✅ Available
Basic document editing✅ Available✅ Available
More advanced features and extended benefitsSome features may be limitedMore advanced features are available based on the selected plan
Cloud storage1 GB of cloud space20 GB of cloud space, depending on plan

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Use CaseRecommended PlanReason
Occasional formula, chemistry, or footnote editingFreeBasic superscript and subscript formatting is enough for everyday document layout
Frequent multi-device document work with broader feature needsWPS MemberBetter suited for users who also want more cloud storage and additional advanced features

How to Subscribe

  • Subscription page: Subscribe to WPS
  • Before subscribing, review the available plans and included features on the pricing page.

Source: WPS Office pricing page