Free Subtraction Worksheets for Kids

These free subtraction worksheets for kids help children aged 4 to 7 understand taking away, step by step. Children start by crossing out pictures, then move on to written take-away sums and subtraction facts within 10. Every printable is 100% free, with no sign-up and no payment.

The collection covers five easy formats:

• Picture subtraction: count the pictures, cross out the ones taken away and write what is left.
• Cross out and subtract: cross out pictures to see what subtraction means before writing the answer.
• Take-away sums: fill in the answer to sums like 5 − 2 = and 8 − 3 =.
• Count and subtract: count two groups, find the bigger one and work out the difference.
• Within 5 and within 10: beginner practice within 5, then the core kindergarten facts within 10.

Subtraction is easier once adding feels comfortable, so try our addition worksheets first if your child is new to sums. For a mix of early maths skills, see our math worksheets.

Use the sheets at home after school, as a quick maths warm-up in class, or for holiday revision. A few minutes most days works better than one long session, and taking away real things like biscuits, spoons or toy cars makes each sum easy to see.

These free subtraction worksheets for kids help your child:

• Understand taking away: removing some from a group to find what is left.
• Use the − and = signs: reading and writing simple take-away sums.
• Know facts within 10: starting within 5, then moving up to 10.
• Count back: starting from the bigger number and counting down, a quick mental strategy.
• Build confidence: moving from crossing out pictures to written sums at their own pace.

These skills support the early maths taught in LKG, UKG and Grade 1. Subtraction works best when practised alongside, or just after, addition.

• LKG (about 4 to 5 years): picture subtraction within 5.
• UKG (about 5 to 6 years): cross out and subtract, and simple written sums.
• Grade 1 (about 6 to 7 years): all subtraction facts within 10 and quick revision.
• Teachers and homeschooling parents: ready-to-print maths practice for home or class.

Every child learns at their own pace, so use these free subtraction worksheets for kids as gentle practice, not a test. If written sums feel hard, go back to crossing out pictures for a few days.

1. Scroll up to the worksheet grid and choose a worksheet.
2. Click the download button. The PDF opens instantly, with no login and no payment.
3. Print on A4 paper at actual size (100%) so the pictures and numbers stay clear.
4. Give your child a pencil or a chunky crayon and start with the first sum.

Tip: act out each sum with real objects first, like 5 biscuits and eating 2. To save ink, print these free subtraction worksheets for kids in black and white; the pictures and numbers stay clear and easy to see. More printing help is on our FAQ page.