How to Type Exponents on Keyboard (Superscript Numbers & ^ Caret)

Exponents show “powers” — for example x² (x squared), 10³ (10 cubed), or m² (square meters).

Here’s the most important thing to know upfront:

There is no single “exponent symbol” on a keyboard.
When people say “exponent symbol,” they usually mean one of these:

1. Superscript numbers (the raised numbers): x², x³, x⁴
2. Caret exponent operator in plain text/programming: x^2
3. Scientific notation in spreadsheets: 3.2E5 (meaning 3.2 × 10⁵)

This guide covers all three, so you can choose the right one for Word, Google Docs, Excel, or simple typing.

You can also copy and paste or generate your own exponenets or superscript with the tools below.