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Subtraction Worksheets

Make free printable subtraction worksheets from 1 to 5 digits, with or without borrowing (regrouping). Answers are checked and the key prints separately.

Worksheet code: — the page address keeps your settings, so you can bookmark or share this exact sheet.

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This free subtraction worksheet generator makes printable subtraction sheets in seconds. You choose the number of digits in each number, whether borrowing is needed, how many problems appear, and how many columns fit the page. It runs in your web browser, nothing is uploaded, and no account or sign-up is needed.

It suits math subtraction worksheets for home or class use, from simple 2-digit problems to 5-digit problems with regrouping. Each sheet can include an answer key, so you can check the work quickly.

Numbers can have 1 to 5 digits, and every answer is a positive whole number because the larger number always comes first.

How to use the Subtraction Worksheet Generator

  1. Type a name in Title on the sheet. The default is “Subtraction”.
  2. Choose Digits in the first number (1 to 5). The default is 2.
  3. Choose Digits in the second number (1 to 5). The default is 2.
  4. Choose Borrowing: “Any”, “Every problem needs it”, or “None needed”. The default is “Any”.
  5. Choose Problems (10, 12, 15, 20, 24, 30, or 40). The default is 20.
  6. Choose Columns (2 to 6) and Layout (Stacked or Across).
  7. Leave Include answer key ticked to print the answers on a separate page after the worksheet, or untick it to leave the key out.
  8. Check the preview. It updates as soon as you change a setting. Press New worksheet for different problems with the same settings.
  9. Press Print or save as PDF when the sheet looks right. You can set the paper size to US Letter or A4.

The page address stores your settings, so a bookmarked or shared link opens the same sheet again. Each sheet also has a short worksheet code under the buttons. Reset settings returns everything to the defaults.

For subtraction with regrouping, set Borrowing to Every problem needs it; for a gentle start, choose None needed. Use the Across layout when you want children to rewrite each problem in columns themselves.

How does subtraction with regrouping (borrowing) work?

Regrouping, also called borrowing, is needed when a digit on top is smaller than the digit below it in the same column. You borrow one ten from the column to the left and add it to the smaller digit, then subtract as normal.

Take 52 − 38. In the ones column, 2 is smaller than 8, so you cannot subtract directly. Cross out the 5 in the tens column and write 4, then write a small 1 above the 2 to make 12. Now 12 − 8 = 4. In the tens column, 4 − 3 = 1. The answer is 14.

Check the answer by adding it back: 14 + 38 = 52, so 14 is correct.

The most common mistake is to subtract the smaller digit from the larger one in that column. In 52 − 38, a child who writes 26 has taken 2 from 8 instead of regrouping. Another mistake is to regroup the ones correctly but forget to cross out the tens digit and write one less. The answer then comes out exactly ten too big. A borrowing sheet, where every problem needs regrouping, shows these errors on nearly every line, so it is useful for spotting them.

How do I practice subtraction across zeros?

Subtraction across zeros happens when the digit you need to borrow from is 0. You cannot take a ten from a zero, so you borrow from the next nonzero digit to the left and pass the ten along.

Take 400 − 128. The ones and tens columns both need borrowing, but the tens column is 0. First, borrow from the hundreds: 4 becomes 3, and the tens become 10. Then borrow one ten from the tens for the ones: the tens become 9 and the ones become 10. Now 10 − 8 = 2, 9 − 2 = 7, and 3 − 1 = 2. The answer is 272. Check: 272 + 128 = 400.

With 3- or 4-digit numbers and borrowing on every problem, zeros in the top number appear regularly. If you want to practice them, press New worksheet until a few appear on the sheet.

Questions teachers and parents ask

How can children check a subtraction answer?

Children add the answer back to the smaller number. If the answer plus the smaller number gives the larger number, the subtraction is correct. For 52 − 38 = 14, the check is 14 + 38 = 52. If the sum is not the larger number, there is a mistake to find.

How do I make 3-digit subtraction with regrouping worksheets?

Set **Digits in the first number** to 3 and **Digits in the second number** to 3. Set **Borrowing** to "Every problem needs it" so each problem requires regrouping. Choose the number of problems, then press **New worksheet** until the sheet looks right.

Which settings suit each grade?

For 1st grade, start with 1 digit subtracted from 2 digits. For subtraction within 20, use 2 digits minus 1 digit. For 2nd grade, start with 2 digits minus 2 digits with no borrowing, then move to borrowing on every problem. For 3rd grade, use 3 digits minus 3 digits with borrowing. For 4th and 5th grade, use 4 and 5 digits, and uneven pairs such as 5 digits minus 3 digits.

Why does the sheet say there are no problems to make?

The first number must have at least as many digits as the second number, because every answer is a positive whole number. If you choose a shorter first number, the sheet tells you no problems can be made. Increase the digits in the first number, or reduce the digits in the second.

Does the generator check its own problems?

Yes. It subtracts each pair, then adds the answer back to the smaller number column by column, as a child would on paper. A problem is used only when that addition gives back the first number exactly. The "None needed" setting also works column by column, so every top digit is at least as big as the digit below it.

Can I print the worksheet and the answers separately?

Yes. Leave **Include answer key** ticked, and the answers print on their own page after the worksheet. Untick it to print only the problems. You can also use the browser's print dialog to save the sheet as a PDF.

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Fonts and other open-source parts used by these tools are listed on the credits page.