Subtraction Worksheets for Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Make free printable subtraction worksheets in seconds. Choose problems within 5, 10, 20 or 100, pick vertical, horizontal, picture or missing number pages, and print with an answer key or save a PDF.
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Free printable subtraction worksheets (PDF downloads)
Ready-made files that you can download and print right away. Each one comes in US Letter and A4 and has an answer key.
Subtraction Within 5 Worksheets
Cross out pictures, ten frames and number sentences. Good for preschool and early kindergarten.
7 pages: 6 worksheets and an answer key
Subtraction Within 10 Worksheets
Take-away pictures, ten frames, number sentences and missing numbers. Good for kindergarten.
7 pages: 6 worksheets and an answer key
Subtraction Within 20 Worksheets
Number sentences, stacked problems, a number line and missing numbers. Good for 1st grade.
7 pages: 6 worksheets and an answer key
Two-Digit Subtraction Worksheets
Three pages without borrowing and three pages with borrowing. Good for 2nd grade.
7 pages: 6 worksheets and an answer key
Subtraction With Pictures Worksheets
Cross out the pictures that go away and count what is left, within 5 and within 10.
7 pages: 6 worksheets and an answer key
Subtraction Word Problems Worksheets
Twelve short story problems with pictures, taking away within 10.
4 pages: 3 worksheets and an answer key
Subtraction Chart Printable
A filled subtraction chart within 10, and a blank chart to fill in.
2 pages
Addition and Subtraction Mixed Worksheets
Add or subtract, missing numbers, fact families and stacked problems to 20.
7 pages: 6 worksheets and an answer key
Need something different? Use the generator above to choose your own numbers, pictures and layout. For a full book, download the Addition and Subtraction Workbook.
Free subtraction worksheets for every level
Subtraction means taking away, or finding how much is left or how far apart two numbers are. It is the opposite of addition, and children learn it best when they see the idea first with real objects. This generator makes printable subtraction worksheets in seconds. Choose how high the numbers go, pick a layout, and press Print or Save as PDF. Every page can come with an answer key.
What to practice at each level
Many U.S. schools build subtraction up in small steps. The table below is a guide only, so always follow your child’s own pace and your teacher’s plan.
| Level | Numbers | Good worksheet type |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool and early kindergarten | Within 5 | With pictures (crossed out) |
| Kindergarten | Within 10 | With pictures, then horizontal |
| 1st grade | Within 20 | Horizontal, missing number |
| 2nd grade | Within 100 | Vertical, with or without borrowing |
Choose a worksheet type
- With pictures: a group of pictures is shown with some crossed out. Your child counts what is left. This is the best way to start, because it shows what taking away means.
- Horizontal: problems such as 9 − 4 = ___, written side by side. It is good for learning subtraction facts.
- Vertical (stacked): the numbers are written one under the other. It is the best layout for two-digit subtraction.
- Missing number: problems such as 10 − ___ = 6. These show how subtraction and addition are connected.
How to use the generator
- Choose Subtraction as the operation, or Mixed for addition and subtraction on one page.
- Choose a worksheet type and how high the numbers go.
- For numbers within 100, decide whether to allow borrowing (also called regrouping).
- Choose how many problems you want and check the preview.
- Press Print or Save as PDF. Turn on the answer key page if you need one.
Tips for learning subtraction
- Use real things. Take away snacks, blocks or toys and count what is left.
- Count back. To work out 8 − 3, start at 8 and count back three: 7, 6, 5.
- Think addition. Ask “3 plus what makes 8?” Knowing that addition and subtraction go together makes facts easier.
- Use a number line. Draw one on paper and hop back with a pencil.
- Keep it short. Ten minutes a day works better than one long session, and fingers are allowed.
Children subtract more easily once they can add, so try our addition worksheets first. Use counting worksheets to practice the numbers, and number tracing to learn to write them.
Frequently asked questions
What are subtraction worksheets?
Subtraction worksheets are printable pages with subtraction problems for children to solve. They help children learn to take away and find the difference, from simple facts such as 5 - 2 to two-digit problems such as 82 - 37.
What subtraction should a kindergartener know?
Many U.S. kindergarten programs teach subtracting within 10, often by taking away objects or pictures, and ask children to know facts within 5 quickly. Standards vary by school and state, so check with your child's teacher.
What subtraction do first and second graders learn?
First graders usually subtract within 20. Second graders usually subtract within 100 and learn to borrow, which is also called regrouping.
How do I make a subtraction worksheet?
Choose Subtraction, pick a worksheet type and how high the numbers go, and press Print or Save as PDF. Press Generate new worksheet for a fresh set of problems every time.
Can I make subtraction worksheets with pictures?
Yes. Choose With pictures to get a group of animals, fruits, vehicles, toys or objects with some crossed out. Your child counts how many are left.
What is borrowing in subtraction?
Borrowing, also called regrouping, is needed when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, such as 52 - 27. You take a ten from the tens column. For easier practice, choose No carrying or borrowing.
Do the worksheets come with an answer key?
Yes. Turn on Include answer key page and the answers are added as a separate page after the worksheet, so children do not see them.
Are the subtraction worksheets free?
Yes. You can make, print and save as many worksheets as you like, with no sign-up. Each sheet prints on US Letter or A4 paper.
Can I download ready-made subtraction worksheets as PDF files?
Yes. Below the generator there are free PDF files you can download and print right away: subtraction within 10, within 20, two-digit subtraction, subtraction with pictures and word problems, plus mixed addition and subtraction. Each one comes in US Letter and A4.
Free printable workbooks
Want a planned set instead of a single page? These free PDF workbooks teach counting and number skills step by step.
Addition and Subtraction Workbook
Add and take away with pictures, ten frames and number lines, then number sentences, fact families and story problems to 20. With an answer key.
Counting Activity Book
Count to 20 with ten frames, tally marks and dice, then compare, skip count, add and take away. With an answer key.
Number Tracing and Counting Book
Trace, count and color every number from 1 to 20, then practice number words and skip counting.
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