Free Printable Subtraction Worksheets
Practice subtraction from basic facts within 10 and 20 through two- and three-digit problems with borrowing. Choose the exact skill level and download a print-ready PDF, no account needed.
Worksheets
Choose your level
Five focused levels, from facts within 10 to multi-digit problems.
Facts Within 10
Subtraction with minuends up to 10. Essential facts for building fluency.
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Facts Within 20
Subtraction with minuends up to 20. Bridges to two-digit work.
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2-Digit, No Borrowing
Two-digit − two-digit subtraction where no borrowing is needed.
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2-Digit, With Borrowing
Two-digit − two-digit subtraction that requires borrowing in the ones column.
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3-Digit, With Borrowing
Three-digit − three-digit subtraction. Always requires borrowing; tens may cascade.
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Featured printable
The subtraction chart
A filled chart for the wall or a folder, or a blank chart to fill in for practice. Rows are the start number, columns are what you take away, and only real facts are shown, so there are no negatives. Print a clean PDF in seconds.
| minus | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 1 | 1 | 0 | |||||||||
| 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |||||||
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |||||
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||||
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |||
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | |
| 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
What subtraction practice helps students build
Subtraction sits right alongside addition and leans on the same basic facts seen in reverse. Much of the early work is taking away within small numbers, and the bigger step later is borrowing, which asks a student to regroup across place values. The levels here move from facts toward multi-digit problems with borrowing.
Inverse thinking
Seeing subtraction as the undoing of addition within the same fact family.
Fact fluency
Quick recall of differences, which mirrors known addition facts.
Place value
Tracking ones, tens, and hundreds when borrowing across columns.
Accuracy
Care with the order of the numbers, since 9 - 5 and 5 - 9 are not the same problem.
How the levels progress
A common path runs from facts within 10 and 20, to two-digit problems without borrowing, then into two- and three-digit problems that require borrowing. Borrowing is usually the step that needs the most repetition.
Facts Within 10
Subtraction with minuends up to 10. Essential facts for building fluency.
Facts Within 20
Subtraction with minuends up to 20. Bridges to two-digit work.
2-Digit, No Borrowing
Two-digit − two-digit subtraction where no borrowing is needed.
2-Digit, With Borrowing
Two-digit − two-digit subtraction that requires borrowing in the ones column.
3-Digit, With Borrowing
Three-digit − three-digit subtraction. Always requires borrowing; tens may cascade.
Choosing the right worksheet level
Pick the level that matches what a student can already subtract without a number line. If borrowing is new, the two-digit with borrowing level is the right place to slow down. Save three-digit borrowing, including borrowing across a zero, for once the two-digit version is reliable.
Signs a student is ready to move forward
- Recalls facts at the current level without counting back each time
- Borrows reliably in two-digit problems
- Finishes a full page accurately, including the borrowing problems
Common mistakes and how to handle them
Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger out of habit
This shows up most when borrowing. Check that the top number is always the one being reduced.
Borrowing across a zero
Work a few of these slowly together. The three-digit with borrowing level includes them.
Losing track during multi-step borrowing
Encourage crossing out and rewriting the regrouped digits clearly rather than holding them in the head.
Tips for teachers and parents
For parents
- If borrowing is new, work a few problems together before assigning a full sheet.
- Ask your child to explain a borrowed digit out loud. It surfaces mistakes early.
- Revisit the basic facts now and then, since subtraction facts tend to fade faster than addition facts for many students.
For teachers
- Introduce borrowing on its own before mixing it with non-borrowing problems.
- Watch for borrowing across a zero, which is a common stumbling point.
- Use the answer key to find which column is breaking down.
FAQ
Questions
What subtraction skills do these worksheets cover?
Five levels, from Facts Within 10 to 3-Digit, With Borrowing, so you can match the exact skill a student is practicing.
How do I choose the right subtraction worksheet?
Pick the level that matches what a student can already subtract without a number line. If borrowing is new, the two-digit with borrowing level is the right place to slow down. Save three-digit borrowing, including borrowing across a zero, for once the two-digit version is reliable.
How do I know when a student is ready to move up a level?
Common signs include: recalls facts at the current level without counting back each time; borrows reliably in two-digit problems; finishes a full page accurately, including the borrowing problems.
Are these worksheets aligned to a specific curriculum or set of standards?
No. These worksheets are not aligned to any official standard. The levels reflect skills commonly practiced and are meant as a helpful starting point, not a curriculum requirement.
Do the worksheets include an answer key?
Yes. You can include an optional answer key, which prints on a separate page from the worksheet.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no sign-up or login. Pick a level, generate the worksheet, and download the PDF.