Grade 1 Subtraction Worksheets
Free printable subtraction practice for Grade 1 students. Generate problems, solve them on screen or paper, and download as PDF.
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.
Free Practice Worksheets
Print, solve on paper, then upload a photo for instant AI grading and feedback.
Build confidence with approachable problems
Solve each problem. Take your time.
- 1.5 - 2 =
- 2.7 - 3 =
- 3.10 - 4 =
- 4.8 - 5 =
- 5.12 - 6 =
- 6.9 - 0 =
Full range of grade expectations
Solve each problem. Show your work.
- 1.What is 15 - 7?
- 2.Sarah had 12 cookies. She ate 5 of them. How many cookies does Sarah have left?
- 3.Compare the two numbers. Write > or < in the box: 18 - 9 [ ] 10
- 4.Look at the picture of the pizza. If 3/8 of the pizza is eaten, what fraction of the pizza is left?
- 5.Tom has 20 toy cars. He gives 8 cars to his friend. How many toy cars does Tom have now?
- 6.Imagine a shape that is half red and half blue. If you remove the blue half, what fraction of the shape is left?
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Create a Free AccountFrequently 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.