Subtraction worksheets
Take-away practice, with or without borrowing.
Questions
The same code and settings always make the same worksheet.
Page
Colour
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How to make subtraction worksheets
- 1
Choose the level and question type, and how many questions you want.
- 2
Tap “New worksheet” until you like the questions; each sheet is different.
- 3
Add your own title or instructions if you like, and choose A4 or US Letter.
- 4
Download the PDF with its answer key and print it.
About these subtraction worksheets
Subtraction is where many children first meet borrowing (regrouping), and it needs plenty of steady practice. Choose the size of the top number and the number taken away, and whether borrowing is needed. Answers are never negative, so sheets stay right for primary pupils.
Column layout keeps place values lined up; in-line problems suit mental maths and counting-up strategies.
Settings you can change
Each sheet has 20 questions by default (from 6 to 60), a name, date and score line, and an answer key on a separate page. Best for grades 1–4 (ages 6–10).
- Top number: 1 digit, 2 digits, 3 digits, 4 digits, 5 digits.
- Number taken away: 1 digit, 2 digits, 3 digits, 4 digits, 5 digits.
- Borrowing: Mixed, With borrowing, No borrowing.
- Layout: Column (stacked), In a line.
Teaching tips
- Check answers by adding them back: 52 − 17 = 35, and 35 + 17 = 52.
- Use base-ten blocks alongside the first borrowing sheets.
- Mix in some “No borrowing” sums so children decide when to regroup.
New questions every time
The questions are written by rules on your device, not picked from a fixed sheet, so every tap of “New worksheet” gives a different set. Nothing is uploaded. Explore all math worksheets.
Frequently asked questions
Will there be negative answers?
No. The larger number always goes first, so every answer is zero or more. For negative numbers, use the integers worksheets.
Which grades are these worksheets for?
Grades 1–4 (ages 6–10), depending on the settings you choose. Switch on “Big print” for younger children.
Is it really free to print?
Yes. There’s no signup and no limit. The worksheets are generated on your device, and you can use them at home or in class.
Does every worksheet come with an answer key?
Yes. The answers print on a separate page at the end of the PDF. Switch “Answer key” off if you only want the questions.
Can I make a different subtraction worksheet for each student?
Yes. Tap “New worksheet” for a fresh set of questions with the same settings. Each sheet has its own answer key, so you can hand out different versions.