Typesetting standards for subscripts

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In summary, typesetting standards for subscripts dictate the proper formatting and positioning of subscripted text in various contexts, such as scientific and mathematical documents. These standards ensure clarity and consistency, typically requiring subscripts to be smaller than the main text and positioned slightly lower on the baseline. Different style guides may have specific rules regarding their use, especially in chemical formulas and equations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established conventions for effective communication.
  • #1
TRB8985
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Clarification on subscripts involving axes and whether they should be italicized.
Good afternoon,

I have a question about italicizing certain subscripts. Say we have the following kinematic equation:
$$ y_{i} = y_{f} + v_{i_y}t + \dfrac{1}{2}a_{y}t^2$$ Where the ##i## and ##f## subscripts are in reference to initial and final displacements, and the ##y## subscript is in reference to an acceleration along the y-axis.

In the sources I've seen from NIST, IUPAC, and others##^{1, 2, 3, 4, 5}##, the general standard seems to be that any italicized letter is a variable. Thus, in the case above, ##i## and ##f## would not be italicized, as they represent static values of initial and final displacements. My question concerns ##y##.

In this situation, the y-axis (in whichever direction we have chosen it to be), does not change. Furthermore, the vertical acceleration in this simple example does not change, either. (9.80 m/s²)

Thus, I'm under the impression that the subscript ##y## would be upright as well. However, at the bottom of the first page in the typefaces document from NIST, I can see they're italicizing the z-coordinate in ##\omega_{z}##. It's not entirely clear if this coordinate is italicized due to the value of ##\omega## changing as one moves along the z-axis, or if this references the z-axis itself. Hence, my confusion.

Is anyone familiar with such an example and know the correct way in which this should be expressed? Thanks!##^{[1]}## Hughes, K. 2016 May 4. To italicise or not to italicize. Brushing Up Science. https://brushingupscience.com/2016/05/04/to-italicise-or-not-to-italicise/

##^{[2]}## Vrijmoet, E. 2017 May 1. Eliot's LaTeX Notes for Science Writing. Georgia State University. http://astro.gsu.edu/~vrijmoet/latexnotes.html

##^{[3]}## Boffin. 2011 Oct 30. Should subscripts in math mode be upright? Stack Exchange. https://tex.stackexchange.com/questions/33120/should-subscripts-in-math-mode-be-upright

##^{[4]}## Beccari, Claudio. 1997. Typesettings mathematics for science and technology according to IOS 31/XI. TUGboat. 18(1). https://tug.org/tugboat/tb18-1/tb54becc.pdf

##^{[5]}## Keramati, H. 2020 July 7. When to italicize in a math expression? LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-italicize-math-expression-hamed-keramati/
 
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  • #2
Do you even need to care whether single letter subscripts are italicized or not? For subscripts of more than one letter, I will generally wrap them using \mathrm{} because it looks better, like ##\omega_\mathrm{max}##. But for one letter subscripts, will anyone even care? I believe the acceptance of your paper in a journal will not be affected if you have italicized a subscript that you shouldn't have. Every journal has typesetters, who will format those little things before publication if the paper is accepted.
 
  • #3
Wrichik Basu said:
Do you even need to care whether single letter subscripts are italicized or not?
Probably not, but personally, I think it's worth the effort to develop good typefacing habits on these things. I can understand if others don't, though.

Wrichik Basu said:
I believe the acceptance of your paper in a journal will not be affected if you have italicized a subscript that you shouldn't have. Every journal has typesetters, who will format those little things before publication if the paper is accepted.
My mistake for not mentioning anything about this in my original post - it's not actually for a journal. More of a public project. I don't like the idea of communicating bad notation publicly and perpetuating something incorrect. Hopefully that makes sense.
 
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  • #4
It is good to know the popular standards, but you should always define such things in your document if they mean something significant. And if you are publishing somewhere, know their particular standards.
 
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Likes Orodruin
  • #5
TRB8985 said:
I have a question about italicizing certain subscripts. Say we have the following kinematic equation:
$$ y_{i} = y_{f} + v_{i_y}t + \dfrac{1}{2}a_{y}t^2$$ Where the ##i## and ##f## subscripts are in reference to initial and final displacements, and the ##y## subscript is in reference to an acceleration along the y-axis.
I'm of little help with your italics question, but I did notice that you have ##y_{i}## and ##y_{f}## backwards in your equation. :wink:
 
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Likes robphy, gmax137 and Wrichik Basu
  • #6
berkeman said:
I'm of little help with your italics question, but I did notice that you have ##y_{i}## and ##y_{f}## backwards in your equation. :wink:
That should be ##y_{\rm i}## and ##y_{\rm f}##.
 

FAQ: Typesetting standards for subscripts

What are the general guidelines for typesetting subscripts in scientific documents?

General guidelines for typesetting subscripts in scientific documents include using a smaller font size for the subscript compared to the main text, ensuring that the subscript is aligned properly with the baseline of the main text, and maintaining consistency in the use of subscripts throughout the document. It is also important to use appropriate symbols and formatting that adhere to the specific style guide or publication standards being followed.

How should subscripts be formatted in LaTeX?

In LaTeX, subscripts are formatted using the underscore (_) character followed by the subscript text enclosed in curly braces {}. For example, to typeset the subscript in "H2O", you would write "H2O" in LaTeX as "H{2}O". If the subscript is a single character, the curly braces are optional.

What are the differences between subscripts in mathematical expressions and chemical formulas?

In mathematical expressions, subscripts are often used to denote indices, variables, or parameters and are typically placed directly after the main symbol. In chemical formulas, subscripts indicate the number of atoms of an element in a molecule and are placed after the element symbol. The formatting conventions may vary slightly depending on the context, but clarity and readability are key in both cases.

Are there any specific typographic considerations for subscripts in digital documents?

In digital documents, it is important to ensure that subscripts are legible and do not appear too small or too close to the main text. This may involve adjusting the font size and spacing. Additionally, using vector-based fonts can help maintain the quality of subscripts at different screen resolutions. Accessibility considerations, such as providing alternative text for screen readers, should also be taken into account.

How can I ensure consistency in subscript formatting across different sections of a document?

To ensure consistency in subscript formatting across different sections of a document, it is advisable to define and use style templates or macros, especially when using typesetting systems like LaTeX or word processors with style features. Consistently apply the same formatting rules, such as font size and alignment, and review the document for any discrepancies. Adhering to a specific style guide or publication standard can also help maintain uniformity.

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