Free subtraction worksheets
11 free subtraction worksheets for grades K to 4. Each one is a one-page PDF with the answer key on page 2. Print as many as you like, with no login, sign-up or email.
Subtraction facts
Facts within 10 and 20, with extra weight on crossing ten (13 − 7), plus a mixed sheet so children read the sign.
Subtraction Facts Within 10
Grades K–1
First subtraction facts with minuends up to 10.
Download PDF (20 problems · 46 KB)
Subtraction Facts Within 20
Grades 1–2
Focused on crossing ten (13−7, 15−8) — the facts kids stumble on.
Download PDF (25 problems · 46 KB)
Mixed Addition & Subtraction Within 20
Grades 1–2
Mixed + and − so kids read the sign instead of guessing the operation.
Download PDF (25 problems · 46 KB)Two-digit subtraction
Mental math (43 − 7), then stacked problems without and with borrowing.
Two-Digit Minus One-Digit Subtraction
Grades 1–2
Thirty problems like 43 − 7, most crossing back over a ten.
Download PDF (30 problems · 46 KB)
Two-Digit Subtraction (No Regrouping)
Grade 2
Fifteen stacked problems like 78 − 35 with no borrowing: the step before regrouping.
Download PDF (15 problems · 46 KB)
Two-Digit Subtraction (Regrouping)
Grades 2–3
Every problem needs a borrow. Stacked format with room to show work.
Download PDF (15 problems · 46 KB)Three-digit subtraction
Borrowing once or twice, and the hardest case: borrowing across a zero.
Three-Digit Subtraction (Regrouping)
Grades 3–4
Fifteen stacked problems like 742 − 368 that borrow once or twice.
Download PDF (15 problems · 46 KB)
Subtraction Across Zeros
Grades 3–4
Fifteen problems like 400 − 167 and 503 − 258: borrowing through a zero.
Download PDF (15 problems · 46 KB)Word problems and seasonal
Take away, how many are left, and how many more, plus festive versions for December.
Subtraction Word Problems
Grades 1–3
Ten story problems: take away, how many are left, and how many more.
Download PDF (10 problems · 46 KB)
Christmas Tree Subtraction
Grades 1–2
Seventeen subtraction facts within 20 on the ornaments, weighted toward crossing ten.
Download PDF (17 problems · 54 KB)
Christmas Two-Digit Addition & Subtraction
Grades 2–3
Fifteen stacked problems that alternate carrying and borrowing.
Download PDF (15 problems · 51 KB)Which subtraction worksheet for which grade
| Grade | Worksheets | What it practices |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten–1st grade | Within 10 | Take-away facts to 10 |
| 1st–2nd grade | within 20, 2-digit − 1-digit | Facts to 20; crossing back over ten |
| 2nd grade | no regrouping, regrouping | Subtracting within 100 |
| 3rd–4th grade | 3-digit regrouping, across zeros, word problems | Subtracting within 1,000 with the standard algorithm |
Where children slip
In Num Drill’s own answer data, subtraction problems that need borrowing are missed twice as often as those that don’t (19% against 9%). The usual mistake is subtracting the smaller digit from the larger one in each column, so 52 − 27 becomes 35. The no-regrouping sheet builds the column habit before borrowing arrives; Subtraction across zeros is the sheet to repeat once it has.
How to use these worksheets
Teach subtraction as the partner of addition: if 8 + 5 = 13, then 13 − 5 = 8. One sheet a day is plenty. When a child can finish the within-20 sheet in about two minutes with no mistakes, move on to two-digit subtraction. Ask them to check stacked answers by adding back up.
Subtraction facts, online and free
A 10-question quiz takes about a minute, marks every answer instantly and brings back the facts your child misses. No login.
Subtraction facts quiz Two-digit subtraction quizCommon questions
Are these subtraction worksheets free?
Yes. All 11 are free PDFs to download, print, copy and share for home or classroom use, with no login, sign-up or email.
What grade learns subtraction with regrouping?
Most US classes introduce borrowing (regrouping) with two-digit numbers in 2nd grade and extend it to three-digit numbers, including borrowing across zeros, in 3rd grade.
How do you subtract across zeros?
In 400 − 167 there is nothing to borrow from in the tens, so borrow 1 hundred: the 4 becomes 3 and the tens become 10. Then borrow 1 ten: the tens become 9 and the ones become 10. Now 10 − 7 = 3, 9 − 6 = 3 and 3 − 1 = 2, giving 233.
Why does my child keep subtracting the wrong way round?
It's the most common subtraction mistake: taking the smaller digit from the larger in every column. Have them say the top digit first (“2 take away 7? I can't, so I borrow”) and check by adding the answer back.
Do the worksheets have answer keys?
Yes. Every worksheet has its answer key on page 2 of the same PDF.
Will the worksheets print on A4 paper?
The PDFs are US Letter. Choose “Fit to page” in the print dialog and they print correctly on A4.
Related: addition & subtraction practice · addition worksheets · 2nd grade math · 3rd grade math · all printable worksheets