Subtraction Worksheets
These worksheets and activities contain very basic subtraction facts. Each problem has a minuend, subtrahend, and difference that is 10 or less. (examples: 5-3=2 and 6-5=1)
Approx Level: Kindergarten and 1st Grades
Here you'll find dozens of printable math activities for teaching single-digit subtraction. The collection includes some free subtraction worksheets, math games, mystery pictures, task cards, and learning center activities. This set has minuends up to 20 and differences to 10. (examples: 11-6=5 and 18-9=9)
Approx. Level: 1st and 2nd grades
Download and print task cards, games, and worksheets for teaching 2-digit addition. These very basic problems do not require students to regroup, rename, or borrow. Enjoy some subtraction worksheet for free or signup today to use thousands of useful printables!
Approximately 1st and 2nd grades.
These subtraction problems require students to borrow or regroup. This page has worksheets, scoot games, magic digit activities, and graph paper math.
3-Digit SubtractionPrintable drill worksheets, a scoot game, a magic digits game, task cards, graph paper math, and word problems.
4-Digit SubtractionThese activities can be used when teaching students to subtract 4-digit numbers. Includes several PDFs for subtracting across zero.
5-Digit SubtractionThese printable activities can be used to teach and review subtraction with 5-digit numbers. Worksheets include task cards, a puzzle picture, a subtraction crossword, and more
Subtracting MoneyUse these resources to practice subtracting money and making change. Includes task cards, graph paper math, and worksheets.
Subtracting 10 and Multiples of 10Use models, hundreds charts, and mental math to subtract 10 and multiples of 10 from 2-digit numbers. (examples: 56-10=46 and 68-40=28)
Single-Digit Subtraction Generator (Basic)Everyone can create your own basic subtraction worksheets for free with this generator tool. The sheets you create with this tool can be used for timed tests or extra practice.
Multi-Digit Subtraction GeneratorCreate your own subtraction worksheets with 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-digit numbers. You can select vertical or horizontal problems.
Subtracting Fractions and Mixed NumbersThis page has a series of worksheets for addition and subtraction of fractions and mixed numbers.
Subtracting DecimalsLearn to add and subtract decimals with tenths, hundredths, and thousandths place values.
Mixed Addition and Subtraction (Basic; 0-10)These worksheets have a mixture of addition and subtraction facts on them.
Addition-Subtraction Fact Families (Basic; 0-10)Fact families are groups of numbers that work together to form addition and subtraction facts.
Integers (Positive and Negative Numbers)This page of integer worksheets includes a few worksheets on subtracting positive and negative numbers.
Multiple Step Word ProblemsThese multi-step word problems require students to use multiple operations.
Math Mystery PicturesYou'll find many mystery picture worksheets with basic addition and subtraction on this page.
Number LinesPractice adding and subtracting on number lines.
Word Problems (Mixed Skills)On these math word problems, students will use a variety of skills, including add, subtract, tell time, count money, and geometry.
Subtraction is a fundamental math skill introduced early in elementary school, typically starting in kindergarten and continuing through the first and second grades. It forms the basis for many more advanced math concepts, making it essential for students to build a strong understanding from the beginning. Subtraction teaches students how to take away or find the difference between numbers, which is crucial for everyday problem-solving and future math learning. Early subtraction lessons often focus on single-digit numbers, helping students understand the concept through hands-on activities like using counters or objects to visually represent subtraction problems.
In the classroom, teachers use a variety of interactive methods to help students grasp subtraction. Kindergarten and first-grade students might work with manipulatives such as cubes or blocks to "take away" items and physically see how subtraction works. As they advance into second and third grades, students begin to solve subtraction problems using number lines, drawings, and mental math strategies. Word problems are also introduced to help students apply subtraction in real-life contexts. As students move into the later elementary grades, subtraction skills become more complex, incorporating multi-digit subtraction with borrowing (regrouping) and applying subtraction in other mathematical areas like fractions and decimals.
Understanding the core concepts of subtraction is essential for students because it supports a wide range of future math skills, including division, algebra, and problem-solving. Subtraction is not just about taking numbers away but understanding relationships between numbers and how to find differences. Mastery of subtraction also helps students develop logical reasoning and analytical thinking, as they learn how to break down larger problems into smaller, manageable steps. With a strong foundation in subtraction, students are better prepared to tackle more advanced math topics, making it a critical skill in their overall math development. Super Teacher Worksheets has tons of printables to teach basic subtraction, multi-digit subtraction, subtracting money, decimals, and fractions, and more!