# How can I use shorter minus signs in math subscripts?

How can I automatically replace minus signs in subscripts $x_{y-z}$ with text mode minus signs $x_{y\text{-}z}$ without having to type the longer form every time?

• Minus within $x_{y-z}$ is a minus, indeed. On the other hand, "minus" within $x_{y\text{-}z}$ is not a "text mode minus sign" but a regular "dash". Not sure how do you reason the request for such aesthetic intervention, and why do you want to intervene? Which font do you use, can you provide MWE? – ivankokan Oct 19 at 23:00
• The motivation is to save space in equations with many such subscripts. While the normal minus clearly looks better than a dash in general, in subscripts it seems longer than necessary to me. Is such a global replacement possible in LaTeX? – danijar Oct 19 at 23:07
• it would be possible but a hyphen isn't really suitable as a minus. The subscript is already using as a smaller font and less space are you sure you want a shorter - as well? – David Carlisle Oct 19 at 23:20
• @DavidCarlisle I would like try different options for replacing the minus sign if there is a general way of replacing it in subscripts. – danijar Oct 20 at 18:48