Superscript in Python plots

Superscript notation is essential for displaying scientific formulas and units in Python plots. Matplotlib supports LaTeX-style mathematical notation using the $\mathregular{}$ syntax to create superscripts and subscripts in titles, axis labels, and legends.

Basic Superscript Syntax

Use $\mathregular{text^{superscript}}$ format where the caret ^ indicates superscript and curly braces {} contain the superscript text ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Simple superscript example
plt.figure(figsize=(6, 4))
plt.text(0.5, 0.5, r'$\mathregular{x^2}$', fontsize=20, ha='center')
plt.text(0.5, 0.3, r'$\mathregular{E=mc^2}$', fontsize=16, ha='center')
plt.xlim(0, 1)
plt.ylim(0, 1)
plt.title('Basic Superscript Examples')
plt.show()

Physics Formula Plot with Superscripts

Let's create a force vs acceleration plot with proper scientific notation in labels ?

import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

plt.rcParams["figure.figsize"] = [8, 5]
plt.rcParams["figure.autolayout"] = True

# Create data points
acceleration = np.linspace(1, 10, 100)
mass = 20
force = mass * acceleration

# Plot with superscript labels
plt.plot(acceleration, force, color="red", linewidth=3, label="F = ma")
plt.title(r"Force vs Acceleration $\mathregular{(kgms^{-2})}$", fontsize=14)
plt.xlabel(r"Acceleration $\mathregular{(ms^{-2})}$", fontsize=12)
plt.ylabel(r"Force $\mathregular{(kgms^{-2})}$", fontsize=12)
plt.grid(True, alpha=0.3)
plt.legend(fontsize=11)
plt.show()

Multiple Superscript Examples

Here are common scientific notations with superscripts ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

fig, (ax1, ax2) = plt.subplots(1, 2, figsize=(12, 5))

# Left plot - Area calculation
x = np.linspace(0, 5, 100)
y = x**2

ax1.plot(x, y, 'b-', linewidth=2)
ax1.set_title(r'Area = $\mathregular{x^2}$')
ax1.set_xlabel(r'Length $\mathregular{(m)}$')
ax1.set_ylabel(r'Area $\mathregular{(m^2)}$')
ax1.grid(True, alpha=0.3)

# Right plot - Volume calculation  
y2 = x**3
ax2.plot(x, y2, 'g-', linewidth=2)
ax2.set_title(r'Volume = $\mathregular{x^3}$')
ax2.set_xlabel(r'Length $\mathregular{(m)}$')
ax2.set_ylabel(r'Volume $\mathregular{(m^3)}$')
ax2.grid(True, alpha=0.3)

plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Advanced Superscript Formatting

You can combine multiple superscripts and use negative exponents ?

import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import numpy as np

# Create sample data
x = np.linspace(0.1, 5, 100)
y1 = 1/x**2  # Inverse square law
y2 = np.exp(-x)  # Exponential decay

plt.figure(figsize=(10, 6))
plt.plot(x, y1, 'r-', label=r'$\mathregular{y = x^{-2}}$', linewidth=2)
plt.plot(x, y2, 'b-', label=r'$\mathregular{y = e^{-x}}$', linewidth=2)

plt.title(r'Functions with Negative Exponents', fontsize=16)
plt.xlabel(r'x $\mathregular{(units)}$', fontsize=12)
plt.ylabel(r'y $\mathregular{(units^{-1})}$', fontsize=12)
plt.legend(fontsize=12)
plt.grid(True, alpha=0.3)
plt.show()

Key Formatting Rules

• Use r'$\mathregular{}' for raw strings to avoid escape sequence issues

• Enclose superscripts in curly braces: ^{-2} instead of ^-2

• Use \mathregular{} for normal text style instead of italics

• Combine with regular text: r'Force $\mathregular{(kgms^{-2})}$'

Conclusion

Matplotlib's $\mathregular{}$ syntax enables professional scientific notation in plots. Use ^{} for superscripts and raw strings to ensure proper rendering of mathematical expressions in titles, labels, and legends.