Subtraction facts worksheets
Subtraction facts are the differences within 20, like 13 − 5 or 17 − 9. Children learn them fastest by linking each one to an addition fact they already know.
Download the free subtraction facts worksheet (PDF)
Subtraction facts worksheet
What’s on the worksheet
- 50 questions on subtraction facts, sized for US Letter paper
- 2 pages of questions plus an answer key on the last page
- Written for grades 1–2, matching Common Core 1.OA.C.6, 2.OA.B.2
- Name and date lines at the top, and room to show the work
Sample questions from this worksheet
- 7 − 6 =
- 8 − 4 =
- 20 − 10 =
- 8 − 3 =
- 5 − 4 =
- 17 − 10 =
Preview the worksheet and answer key
Make a new subtraction facts worksheet
Need another page for extra practice, a retake or a second group in class? The free Mathify Kids test maker builds a fresh subtraction facts worksheet with different numbers every time. Choose Core, Standard or Challenge level, print it with its own answer key, or let your child take it on screen and see the score straight away.
Subtraction facts: a worked example (13 − 5)
- Think addition: 5 + ? = 13.
- Count up: 5 to 10 is 5, then 10 to 13 is 3.
- 5 + 3 = 8, so 13 − 5 = 8.
How to use it at home and in class
At home
If your child is stuck, say the matching addition fact out loud. Most subtraction facts are addition facts in reverse. 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
- Subtracting the smaller digit from the bigger one, so 13 − 5 becomes 5 − 3.
- Counting back and including the starting number.
What to practice before and after subtraction facts
- Before: 3-digit addition. If this sheet is a struggle, go back a step.
- After: 2-digit subtraction, once this one is mostly right.
- Learn it first: the subtraction facts lesson and the subtraction chart.
More addition & subtraction worksheets
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Questions parents ask
Should subtraction facts be learned separately from addition?
It works better together. Practice them as fact families, like 5 + 8 = 13, 8 + 5 = 13, 13 − 5 = 8 and 13 − 8 = 5.
What grade is this subtraction facts worksheet for?
It is written for grades 1–2 and matches Common Core standards 1.OA.C.6, 2.OA.B.2.
Can I get a different version of this subtraction facts worksheet?
Yes. Use the free Mathify Kids test maker to make a new subtraction facts worksheet with different numbers every time, at Core, Standard or Challenge level, with its own answer key.