Pick a level, or type your own numbers. Typing a number switches the level to “My own numbers”.
Making the PDF…
About the subtraction worksheets
This free tool makes printable subtraction worksheets with an answer key. Pick a level — from subtraction within 10 to four-digit subtraction with borrowing — and download a PDF with new problems.
The bigger number always comes first, so there are no negative answers. A young child never sees 3 − 8.
Everything is made in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, and there is no sign-up. Your settings stay in this browser for next time.
Features
- 7 ready levels — within 10, within 20, two-digit − one-digit, two-digit with or without borrowing, three-digit and four-digit
- No negative answers — on by default; the bigger number is put first
- Borrowing on or off — problems that never borrow, always borrow, or a mix
- Your own numbers — set both number ranges yourself, from 0 to 9999
- Two layouts — stacked in columns, or in a row like "9 − 4 = ___"
- 12 to 50 problems per page, up to 20 pages, and an answer key
- 5 styles — Classic, Minimal, Boxes, Banner and Playful
- US Letter or A4, a name, date and score line, Print or Download PDF
Subtraction levels
Each level sets the two number ranges and the borrowing rule. The grades are a rough guide only.
| Level | First number | Second number | Borrowing | Example | Often used in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Within 10 | 0–10 | 0–10 | Mixed | 9 − 4 = 5 | Kindergarten, grade 1 |
| Within 20 | 0–20 | 0–20 | Mixed | 17 − 8 = 9 | Grade 1 |
| Two-digit − one-digit | 10–99 | 1–9 | Mixed | 54 − 7 = 47 | Grade 1–2 |
| Two-digit, no borrowing | 10–99 | 10–99 | Never | 86 − 43 = 43 | Grade 1–2 |
| Two-digit with borrowing | 10–99 | 10–99 | Always | 72 − 38 = 34 | Grade 2 |
| Three-digit with borrowing | 100–999 | 100–999 | Always | 645 − 278 = 367 | Grade 3 |
| Four-digit with borrowing | 1000–9999 | 1000–9999 | Always | 5203 − 1867 = 3336 | Grade 4 |
With No answers below zero on, the two numbers swap when the second one is bigger. So "within 10" gives problems like 10 − 3 and 6 − 6, never 4 − 9.
What "borrowing" means
Borrowing (also called regrouping) is needed when a digit on top is smaller than the digit under it. In 72 − 38, you cannot take 8 from 2. So you borrow 1 ten: the 2 becomes 12, and the 7 becomes 6. Then 12 − 8 = 4 and 6 − 3 = 3. The answer is 34.
- No borrowing — every top digit is as big as the digit below, like 86 − 43. Good for learning column subtraction first.
- Always borrowing — at least one column borrows in every problem, like 72 − 38.
- Mixed — some problems borrow, some do not, so the child must check each column.
Every problem is checked. If your own numbers make the rule impossible, the status line tells you how many problems could not follow it.
Check the answers with addition
A good habit: add the answer to the number you took away. You should get the first number back. 34 + 38 = 72, so 72 − 38 = 34 is right. Print an addition worksheet at the same level for practice in both directions.
5 styles
- Classic — clean black problems, answers in blue in the key
- Minimal — black and white only, saves ink
- Boxes — each problem in its own rounded box
- Banner — a coloured title band and round number badges
- Playful — a rainbow title and colourful number badges, for young kids
Frequently asked questions
Are these subtraction worksheets free?
Yes. They are free, with no sign-up and no watermark.
Can the answers go below zero?
Not by default. Turn off No answers below zero if you want problems like 4 − 9 = −5 for older students. The minus sign prints as "-".
How do I make two-digit subtraction with regrouping?
Choose the level Two-digit with borrowing. Every problem then borrows, like 72 − 38.
What is the difference between "within 10" and "within 20"?
Within 10 uses numbers from 0 to 10, so the first number is at most 10. Within 20 uses numbers up to 20, like 17 − 8.
Is there an answer key?
Yes. Keep Answer key at the end on, and the PDF gets one extra page for each sheet with the answers in blue.
Can I mix subtraction with addition?
Yes. Change the operation to Mixed + and −.
Related tools
- Addition Worksheets — with or without carrying
- Multiplication Worksheets — times tables practice
- Division Worksheets — division facts and long division
- Math Worksheet Generator — all four operations, mixed sheets
- Printable Flashcards — subtraction facts as cards
How to use it
- Choose a level — the numbers and the borrowing rule are set for you
- Or type your own numbers and choose borrowing
- Keep No answers below zero on for young children
- Choose the layout, problems per page and pages
- Pick a style and the paper size
- Press Print, or Download PDF
- Press New problems for another sheet
