How do you subtract decimals with different numbers of places?

Line up the decimal points and add zeros to the shorter number so both have the same number of places: 6.4 − 0.38 = 6.40 − 0.38 = 6.02.

What grade is this subtracting decimals worksheet for?

It is written for grades 4–5 and matches Common Core standard 5.NBT.B.7.

Can I get a different version of this subtracting decimals worksheet?

Yes. Use the free Mathify Kids test maker to make a new subtracting decimals worksheet with different numbers every time, with its own answer key.

Subtracting decimals worksheets

32 questions: column subtraction with the points lined up, subtracting when one number needs a zero added, subtracting from whole numbers and money and measuring word problems.

Download the free subtracting decimals worksheet (PDF)

Subtracting decimals worksheet

PDF · US Letter · Grades 4–5 · 32 questions · answer key included

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What’s on the worksheet

32 questions on subtracting decimals, sized for US Letter paper
2 pages of questions plus an answer key on the last page
Written for grades 4–5, matching Common Core 5.NBT.B.7
Name and date lines at the top, and room to show the work

Sample questions from this worksheet

7.89 − 4.04
8.00 − 3.87
6.4 − 0.38
12 − 4.75
9 − 8.22
Mia pays for a $6.85 book with a $10 note. How much change does she get?

Preview the worksheet and answer key

Subtracting decimals worksheet answer key

Make a new subtracting decimals worksheet

Need another page for extra practice, a retake or a second group in class? The free Mathify Kids test maker builds a fresh subtracting decimals worksheet with different numbers every time. Choose how many questions, print it with its own answer key, or let your child take it on screen and see the score straight away.

Make a new version

Subtracting decimals: a worked example (6.4 − 0.38)

6.40 − 0.38 ────── 6.02

Line up the points and write 6.4 as 6.40.
Hundredths: 0 − 8 needs regrouping, so 4 tenths become 3 tenths and 10 hundredths. 10 − 8 = 2.
Tenths: 3 − 3 = 0. Ones: 6 − 0 = 6. The answer is 6.02.

How to use it at home and in class

At home

Part B is the important part: in every question the first number has fewer decimal places. Ask your child to write in the extra zero before subtracting, then check each answer by adding it back. Ten problems a day works better than a whole sheet at once. Mark them together with the answer key, then ask your child to explain one they got wrong: finding the mistake themselves is where the learning happens.

In class

Use the first row as a warm-up, a full page for independent practice, or five questions as an exit ticket. For a retake or a second group, make a new version with the test maker so every child gets different numbers.

Mistakes to watch for

Lining up the last digits instead of the decimal points.
Doing 8 − 0 instead of 0 − 8 when the top digit is missing.

What to practice before and after subtracting decimals

Before: ordering decimals. If this sheet is a struggle, go back a step.
After: dividing decimals, once this one is mostly right.
Learn it first: the subtracting decimals lesson and the decimals chart.