Grade 1 Subtraction Worksheets

Free printable subtraction practice for Grade 1 students. Generate problems, solve them on screen or paper, and download as PDF.

Practice Worksheet

Grade 1 Subtraction Practice

Solve each problem. Show your work.

  1. 1.
    3 - 1 = _____
  2. 2.
    6 - 3 = _____
  3. 3.
    7 - 5 = _____
  4. 4.
    9 - 5 = _____
  5. 5.
    10 - 2 = _____
  6. 6.
    6 - 1 = _____
Show answer key
  1. Question 1: 2
  2. Question 2: 3
  3. Question 3: 2
  4. Question 4: 4
  5. Question 5: 8
  6. Question 6: 5

Free Practice Worksheets

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Foundations

Build confidence with approachable problems

6 problems

Solve each problem. Take your time.

  1. 1.
    12 - 4 =
  2. 2.
    15 - 3 =
  3. 3.
    18 - 6 =
  4. 4.
    14 - 7 =
  5. 5.
    19 - 5 =
  6. 6.
    16 - 8 =
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On Level — Mixed Review

Full range of grade expectations

6 problems

Solve each problem. Show your work.

  1. 1.
    Solve: 15 - 4 = ?
  2. 2.
    Compare the numbers: Which is greater, 18 - 5 or 19 - 8?
  3. 3.
    Sarah has 12 apples. She gives 5 apples to her friend. How many apples does Sarah have left?
  4. 4.
    Fill in the missing number: 20 - ? = 13
  5. 5.
    There are 17 birds in a tree. 6 birds fly away. How many birds are left in the tree?
  6. 6.
    Solve: 14 - 0 = ?
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Practise specific Subtraction skills

What Your Child Will Learn

Grade 1 subtraction introduces the concept of 'taking away' and 'finding the difference.' Students work with numbers to 20, learning to count back, use related addition facts, and model subtraction with objects, pictures, and number lines.

Students learn that subtraction answers the questions 'How many are left?' and 'How many more?' They begin writing subtraction sentences and solving simple one-step word problems. Concrete materials like counters, ten frames, and snap cubes make the abstract concept tangible.

Skills Covered

  • Subtracting within 20 using counting back
  • Using related addition facts to subtract
  • Modelling subtraction on a number line
  • Writing subtraction sentences (− and =)
  • Solving take-away and comparison word problems
  • Understanding the relationship between addition and subtraction

Curriculum Aligned: Aligned with Strand B (Number): developing fluency with subtraction facts to 18 and understanding subtraction as the inverse of addition.

Parent Tip: Use 'How many more?' questions at home — 'You have 5 grapes and your sister has 8. How many more does she have?' This builds comparison subtraction naturally.

What your child will practice

  • Subtraction Facts to 10Recall and demonstrate addition facts for numbers up to 10, and related subtraction facts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my child find subtraction harder than addition?

Subtraction is more abstract because it involves taking away or finding a difference. Using number lines, base-ten blocks, and real-world scenarios (like making change) helps build understanding.

What is subtraction with borrowing (regrouping)?

When the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit in a column, your child 'borrows' (regroups) from the next place value. This typically starts in Grade 2-3 and is mastered by Grade 4.

How can I help my child with subtraction at home?

Use everyday situations: counting change, measuring how much is left, and comparing quantities. Board games and card games that involve taking away are also great practice tools.

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