Free subtraction worksheet generator
Create subtraction problems for basic number facts or larger numbers. Each question has a nonnegative whole-number answer.
What is subtraction? How do you subtract? ↓Your worksheet
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Math Practice
Paperloop MathAnswer key
What is subtraction?
Subtraction finds how much remains or the difference between two numbers. In 14 − 6 = 8, 14 is the starting amount, 6 is taken away, and 8 is the difference. These worksheets always use a larger first number, so the answers are not negative.
How do you subtract with borrowing?
Align the place values
Put the ones in one column and the tens in another.
Check the ones
If the top ones digit is too small, exchange one ten for ten ones before subtracting.
Subtract each column
Finish the ones column, then subtract the tens using the ten that remains.
Worked example: 52 − 18
You cannot take 8 ones from 2 ones. Exchange one ten: 52 becomes 4 tens and 12 ones. Then 12 − 8 = 4 ones, and 4 − 1 = 3 tens. The answer is 34. Check: 34 + 18 = 52.
What does subtraction practice cover?
Subtracting within 20
Subtraction finds the difference between two numbers. For example, 14 − 6 = 8. This setting keeps the first number at 20 or less.
Two-digit and three-digit subtraction
Move to 2-digit or 3-digit problems for place-value practice. Some problems require borrowing, and the larger number always comes first.
Create a printable subtraction sheet
Choose your level
Start with number facts or select a larger number range. You can make a short 12-question drill or a longer worksheet.
Print the answer key separately
Leave the answer-key option on to create an additional page, or turn it off for a student-only copy.