Subtraction Practice & Worksheets
Free, interactive subtraction practice for grades K–4 — play a mixed review here or pick a skill below. Picture models for younger learners, and a printable worksheet for every skill.
Practice all of subtraction
This mixed review pulls from subtraction facts through three-digit borrowing in one set, so you can spot exactly where borrowing breaks down.
How to learn subtraction, in order
As with addition, fluency starts with the facts. Practise Subtraction Facts within 20 until they’re automatic, then learn borrowing with 2-Digit and 3-Digit Subtraction, and finish with Multi-Digit Subtraction. Subtraction facts are easier once the matching addition facts are known — they’re the same number bonds in reverse.
Subtraction by grade
- Grades K–1: taking away, and facts within 10 then 20.
- Grade 2: two-digit subtraction with borrowing.
- Grades 3–4: three-digit and multi-digit borrowing.
Common mistakes, and how to help
The most common slip is subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in each column regardless of position — for example doing 5 − 3 when the problem is really 3 − 5 and a borrow is needed. Teaching “top minus bottom, borrow when the top is smaller” and practising borrowing across a zero are the two highest-value habits.
Choose a skill
Frequently asked questions
Is the subtraction practice free?
Yes — all practice and worksheets are free, no sign-up, no ads in the practice itself.
What order should subtraction be learned in?
Facts within 20 first, then 2-digit borrowing, then 3-digit and multi-digit.
What is borrowing in subtraction?
When a top digit is smaller than the one below it, you regroup ten from the next column over so you can subtract — also called regrouping.
Why is subtracting across a zero hard?
Because there’s nothing to borrow from in that column, so you have to regroup twice. It’s worth practising on its own.
How do subtraction and addition facts connect?
They’re inverses — if 7 + 5 = 12, then 12 − 5 = 7. Knowing addition facts makes subtraction facts much faster.
Can I print subtraction worksheets?
Yes — each skill page has a print button for a fresh 20-question sheet with an answer key.