Free Subtraction Worksheets for Kids (with Answer Key)

Four free subtraction worksheets that go step by step: Take Away Dots within 5, Subtracting within 10, Subtracting within 20 and Two-Digit Subtraction without regrouping, plus an answer key.

Make your own: use our free Math Worksheet Generator to print new subtraction practice anytime.

What’s Included

• Page 1: Take Away Dots (within 5)
• Page 2: Subtracting within 10
• Page 3: Subtracting within 20
• Page 4: Two-Digit Subtraction
• Page 5: Answer Key

Preview & Download

Click Download PDF under any page to get the full-size printable (US Letter). The last PDF is the answer key.

How to Use These Subtraction Worksheets

1. Cross out dots on page 1 and count what is left.
2. Count back on fingers or a number line for facts within 10.
3. Subtract the ones first on two-digit problems.
4. Use the answer key to check.

Learning Benefits

Children first understand subtraction as 'taking away', so page 1 asks them to cross out dots. Later pages build fact fluency and introduce column subtraction with tens and ones, preparing them for borrowing.

Age Range

Ages 4-8 (pre-K to 2nd grade).

Variations and Extension Ideas

• Act out take-away stories with toys.
• Use a number line on the floor and hop backwards.
• Pair each subtraction with its matching addition fact.
• Make more practice with our Math Worksheet Generator.

Printing Tips

• Print at 100% (Actual size) so the boxes and lines stay the right size for small handwriting.
• Slip a page into a sheet protector and use a dry-erase marker to reuse it all week.
• Print the answer key separately and keep it in a folder for quick checking.
• Give kids a pencil with an eraser – crossing out dots goes better in pencil.

More Printables in This Series

• Free Addition Worksheets for Kids (with Answer Key)
• Free Counting Worksheets for Preschool (PDF)
• Free Summer Math Worksheets (with Answer Key)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I teach subtraction to a 5-year-old?

Start with real objects and 'take away' stories, then move to pictures and numbers.

Is there an answer key?

Yes, the last PDF.

What is subtraction without regrouping?

The top ones digit is always bigger, so there is no borrowing.

Can I make more pages?

Yes, with our Math Worksheet Generator.

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