Excel Q: Using a Superscript Character in a Custom-Formatted Number

Factual Questions
1

I have a cell in an Excel spreadsheet for entering the volume of an item in cubic centimeters. I’m using custom formatting so the user only has to enter the number and Excel automatically appends “cm3.” However, I would like it to make the 3 superscript. Is that possible?

2

Stupid Excel. There’s no way to apply formating to a custom format that I can see.

BUT there is a solution to your problem, type the following as your custom format


0 "cm"

The stick your cursor before the second quote mark, hold down ALT and type 0179 on the num-pad. Presto you should get a little 3 and your format will look like


0 "cm³"

There are superscripted 1’s and 2’s too (0177, 0178) but that’s your lot.

SD

3

Actually, if you use a font that has a more complete unicode character set, you might be able to find superscripted 4 through 9 (and including 0) also. If you are using Character Map (on Windows) then Character Map will show you the Unicode characters available in a font.

4

Hmmm, I’m on a MacBook, so I have neither an ALT key or numeric keypad.

5

You can insert a superscript 3 Unicode character as part of your custom format. How would you know how to get a superscript 3 Unicode character? From the Character Palette in the Input menu. The Input menu is not turned on by default. Go to System Preferences, International, Input menu, and choose Character Palette and show Input Menu in menu bar. Then in the menu bar you will see an icon corresponding to your default keyboard layout (e.g an american flag for the american keyboard layout.) In the menu under that icon you will see Character Palette. At the bottom of the Character Palette window there’s a search field. Type in “superscript” and then press Return.

I am assuming that you have a recent version of Macintosh OS X.