Subtraction Worksheets

How to use this subtraction worksheet maker

Set the number range to control difficulty. Within 10 is ideal for first subtraction facts, within 20 builds the fluency expected by the end of grade 1 or early grade 2, and ranges up to 99 practice two-digit subtraction. The maker always puts the larger number first, so children never meet a negative answer before they are ready.

Use the Stacked layout for two-digit problems. Writing numbers in columns helps children see tens and ones, which is the foundation for borrowing (regrouping) later on.

Teaching tips

Connect it to addition. If a child knows 6 + 4 = 10, then 10 − 4 = 6. Ask "what do I add to 4 to make 10?" to turn subtraction into a missing-number addition.
Use a number line. Counting back is fine for small numbers. For bigger gaps, counting up from the smaller number is quicker and more accurate.
Talk about "difference". Subtraction can mean taking away or comparing. "How many more does Ana have than Ben?" is subtraction too.
Watch for zero. Problems like 7 − 0 and 7 − 7 are worth a quick chat about what they mean.

Moving on

When your child can finish a within-20 sheet accurately and without counting on fingers, try mixing in two-digit numbers without regrouping (like 47 − 23), then with regrouping (like 42 − 17). Short daily practice, checked with the answer key, works better than long sessions.

Frequently asked questions

Will my child get negative answers?

No. The larger number is always placed first, so every answer is zero or a positive number.

How many problems should a child do?

For most young children, 10 to 20 problems a day is plenty. Choose a number that can be finished in about ten minutes.

Can I make mixed addition and subtraction sheets?

Each sheet practices one operation so children can focus. Print one addition sheet and one subtraction sheet for mixed practice.

When should my child learn borrowing?

Once subtraction within 20 is quick and accurate, and your child understands tens and ones. Start with two-digit problems that don’t need regrouping, then introduce ones that do, using the stacked layout.

1. 16 − 3 =	2. 10 − 7 =
3. 14 − 10 =	4. 9 − 5 =
5. 19 − 15 =	6. 7 − 6 =
7. 20 − 8 =	8. 20 − 16 =
9. 14 − 14 =	10. 8 − 4 =
11. 20 − 4 =	12. 10 − 9 =
13. 18 − 5 =	14. 17 − 15 =
15. 6 − 4 =	16. 12 − 9 =
17. 18 − 6 =	18. 19 − 16 =
19. 16 − 12 =	20. 8 − 0 =

1. 13	2. 3	3. 4	4. 4	5. 4
6. 1	7. 12	8. 4	9. 0	10. 4
11. 16	12. 1	13. 13	14. 2	15. 2
16. 3	17. 12	18. 3	19. 4	20. 8