Superscript One

ASCII Code: 185•Category: numbers

The superscript one (¹) indicates first power, ordinal numbers, footnotes, and chemical formulas, serving as a fundamental element in scientific notation and academic documentation.

Technical Details

ASCII Code: 185
HTML Entity: ¹
Hexadecimal: 0xB9
Binary: 10111001
Octal: 271

Usage & Examples

Programming

char symbol = '¹'; // ASCII 185

HTML/Web

¹ or ¹

Common Uses

superscriptoneexponentordinalfootnotemathematicschemistry

How to Type This Character

Windows

Alt Code:

Hold Alt and type185 on numeric keypad

Character Map:

Search "Character Map" in Start menu

Mac

Character Viewer:

Press Ctrl +Cmd +Space

Copy & Paste:

Easiest method - copy from this page!

💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!

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About the Superscript One

Mathematical Notation

Essential for indicating exponents (x¹ = x), ordinal numbers (1st = 1¹), and mathematical expressions where the power of one needs explicit notation. While mathematically redundant, it's crucial for clarity in educational contexts and formal mathematical documentation.

Scientific Applications

Critical in chemistry for isotope notation (¹H for protium), physics for energy levels, and scientific literature for footnote systems. The superscript enables precise scientific communication across disciplines.

Academic Referencing

Fundamental to footnote systems in scholarly writing, legal documents, and formal publications. Superscript one creates hierarchical information systems that enhance document organization and reader comprehension.

Typography Standards

Represents proper typographic convention for raised text, maintaining readability while conveying specific meaning. Essential for professional document formatting in academic, scientific, and business contexts.

History of the Superscript One

1400s

Mathematical Manuscripts

Medieval mathematicians began using raised numbers in algebraic texts to indicate powers and relationships, laying groundwork for modern superscript notation.

1636

Descartes' Geometry

René Descartes popularized superscript notation for exponents in 'La Géométrie,' establishing the mathematical convention that continues today.

1800s

Scientific Standardization

Scientific journals adopted superscript notation for chemical formulas, footnotes, and mathematical expressions, creating standardized academic communication.

1960s

Typography Systems

Typesetting systems formalized superscript characters, enabling consistent scientific and academic publishing across print media.

1981

Computer Character Sets

IBM's extended ASCII included superscript characters, making scientific notation accessible in computer systems and digital publishing.

Cultural Impact

Superscript notation revolutionized scientific communication by enabling precise mathematical expression in compact form, facilitating the advancement of mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

Usage Examples

Mathematical Expressions

Example

Identity property: x¹ = x, Linear function: f(x) = ax¹ + b

Explicit notation for educational clarity and formal documentation

Chemical Notation

Example

Hydrogen isotope: ¹H (protium), Mass number notation in nuclear chemistry

Isotope identification and nuclear physics applications

Academic Footnotes

Example

Important concept¹ \n¹See Smith et al. (2024) for detailed analysis

Scholarly citation and reference systems

Ordinal Numbers

Example

1¹ᵗ place winner, 21¹ᵗ century innovations

Formal ordinal number notation in academic writing