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Subtraction practice · borrowing control

Free Subtraction Worksheet Generator

Create subtraction practice without accidentally introducing borrowing before you want it. The generator keeps answers nonnegative and can exclude regrouping, mix it in naturally, or require at least one borrowing step in every problem.

Subtraction Practice

Name ____________________Date ____________
1.960 − 769 =  
2.338 − 217 =  
3.328 − 70 =  
4.884 − 812 =  
5.642 − 532 =  
6.665 − 357 =  
7.741 − 441 =  
8.742 − 165 =  
9.965 − 67 =  
10.653 − 645 =  
11.878 − 181 =  
12.705 − 643 =  
13.684 − 221 =  
14.276 − 28 =  
15.855 − 679 =  
16.920 − 428 =  
17.900 − 409 =  
18.956 − 295 =  
19.713 − 249 =  
20.562 − 517 =  
21.888 − 858 =  
22.800 − 564 =  
23.791 − 618 =  
24.245 − 106 =  
Subtraction · Seed 260901ThePrintableShelf.pro
24 problemsStandard equations3 columnsUS LetterSeparate answer key enabled

Subtracting multi-digit numbers and decimals

Line up the digits by place value and subtract from the right, regrouping when the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit. When a zero is in the way, regroup from the next place that has value. Check a subtraction by adding the answer to the number you subtracted.

Worked examples

  • 503 − 278: the tens place is zero, so regroup 1 hundred as 10 tens, then 1 ten as 10 ones. This gives 225.
  • 12.5 − 3.75: write 12.50 − 3.75 with the decimal points lined up to get 8.75.
  • Check 503 − 278 = 225 by adding: 225 + 278 = 503.

Common slips

  • Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger in each column, which gives the wrong result when regrouping is needed.
  • Not regrouping across a zero.
  • Misaligning decimals, so tenths are subtracted from hundredths.

How to use this worksheet

Ask students to check each answer by adding, and compare with the answer key.

Common Core connection

  • 4.NBT.B.4 · Fluently add and subtract multi-digit whole numbers using place-value strategies or algorithms.
  • 5.NBT.B.7 · Add, subtract, multiply, and divide decimals to hundredths using place-value reasoning.

A practical match for the skill this worksheet practises, not a claim that one worksheet teaches or assesses the whole standard. Check the official math standards.

Note 1

Choose No regrouping when students are practicing place-value subtraction before borrowing. Each generated problem is checked column by column so the top digit is sufficient after any prior borrow is considered.

Note 2

Choose Require regrouping when borrowing is the point of the practice. The generator still keeps every answer at zero or above, so the worksheet does not drift into signed-number work.

Note 3

Borrowing is needed when a top digit is smaller than the digit below it: for 52 minus 27 the ones need 12 minus 7, so regroup one ten first. The classic error is subtracting the smaller digit from the larger regardless of position (getting 35), which Require regrouping targets.

Note 4

Use a smaller number range for a warm-up and a larger range for independent practice. Changing the range and the regrouping setting separately makes the worksheet more predictable than a vague Easy/Hard switch.

More math practice

Switch operation without starting over

Open mixed generator →
Addition generator →Multiplication generator →Division generator →

Quick answers

Will subtraction answers ever be negative?

No. The generated minuend is always at least as large as the subtrahend.

Which grade level is this for?

Multi-digit subtraction with regrouping is CCSS 2.NBT.B.5, 3.NBT.A.2, and 4.NBT.B.4. Negative differences belong to Grade 6 to 7 (7.NS.A.1).

Can I generate subtraction with no borrowing?

Yes. Select No regrouping and the generator checks each place-value column to avoid borrowing.

Can I print a separate subtraction answer key?

Yes. Turn on Include answer key, then use Print / Save PDF. The key is placed on its own page.