Subscript Generator

What Is Subscript?

Subscript is text that appears smaller and lowered below the normal baseline. It's used in chemistry (H₂O, CO₂), mathematics (log₂, a₁, xₙ), programming (array indices), and stylized social media posts. Subscript is the counterpart to superscript, which is raised above the baseline (x², 1ˢᵗ).

Unicode vs HTML Subscript

There are two ways to make text subscript, and this tool supports both:

• Unicode subscript characters — Actual characters that exist in the Unicode standard, like ₂ (U+2082) and ₐ (U+2090). These paste anywhere: social media, chat apps, emails. But not every character has a Unicode subscript form.
• HTML <sub> tags — Wrap text in <sub> and </sub>. Works for any character, but only renders correctly in browsers. Won't work on plain-text platforms.

How to Use This Tool

• Type or paste your normal text into the input box.
• Watch the live preview and output update as you type.
• Toggle HTML mode if you need <sub> tags instead of Unicode.
• Use the character map below to click-copy individual subscript characters.
• Copy the output and paste it anywhere.

Examples

H2O          →   H₂O
CO2          →   CO₂
C6H12O6      →   C₆H₁₂O₆
H2SO4        →   H₂SO₄
a1 b2 c3     →   a₁ b₂ c₃
x1 + x2 = x3 →   x₁ + x₂ = x₃

Where Subscript Doesn't Work

Unicode subscript has an even smaller character set than superscript. Currently supported:

• All numbers: ₀ ₁ ₂ ₃ ₄ ₅ ₆ ₇ ₈ ₉
• Some lowercase letters: ₐ ₑ ₕ ᵢ ⱼ ₖ ₗ ₘ ₙ ₒ ₚ ᵣ ₛ ₜ ᵤ ᵥ ₓ (no 'b', 'c', 'd', 'f', 'g', 'q', 'w', 'y', 'z')
• No uppercase letters: There are no Unicode subscript uppercase letters
• Symbols: ₊ ₋ ₌ ₍ ₎

Because the Unicode subscript set is very limited, HTML mode is often the better choice when you need to subscript any arbitrary text — especially for chemistry formulas that include letters like 'c' or 'l'.

Common Use Cases

• Chemistry — molecular formulas and compounds: H₂O, CO₂, C₆H₁₂O₆, H₂SO₄
• Mathematics — subscripts in equations: log₂, a₁, xₙ, ∑ᵢ₌₁ⁿ
• Programming — array notation and indices: arr₀, arr₁, arr₂
• Physics — variable notation: v₀, v₁, Fₓ, Eₓ
• Music theory — note names: C₄, A₄, middle C
• Social media — stylized posts, bios, and comments
• Numbers in lists — A₁, A₂, A₃ for labeled sequences

Subscript vs Superscript — Quick Comparison

• Superscript — raised above baseline. Used for exponents (x²), ordinals (1ˢᵗ), footnote markers, and trademark symbols. Has a larger Unicode character set (all numbers, most lowercase, partial uppercase).
• Subscript — lowered below baseline. Used for chemistry formulas (H₂O), math indices (a₁), and physics notation (v₀). Has a smaller Unicode character set (all numbers, some lowercase, no uppercase).

For chemistry and math, HTML mode tends to work better for subscript because Unicode coverage is limited.

Character Map

Click any character in the map below to instantly copy it to your clipboard. Perfect for building subscript text manually when the automatic converter doesn't have a match.

Related Tools

• Superscript Generator — convert text to superscript characters (x², 1ˢᵗ).
• Text Case Converter — convert between UPPER, lower, Title, and more.
• Text Reverser — flip text characters, words, or lines.
• Word Counter — count words, characters, and reading time.

Privacy Note

All conversion happens in your browser. Your text is never uploaded to a server, never stored, and never shared.