Subtraction Worksheet Generator
Make a printable subtraction sheet with an answer key, from basic facts to five-digit numbers, with or without borrowing. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
What is a subtraction worksheet generator?
A subtraction worksheet generator builds a sheet of subtraction problems for you, so you never write them by hand. This subtraction worksheet maker draws random problems from the settings you choose: basic facts within 10 or 20, or multi-digit numbers of the size you pick. You decide whether the problems need borrowing. The bigger number always goes on top, and the answer key shows each difference in red. Set it up, download the PDF, and print. Nothing to install, nothing to sign up for.
When do you use a subtraction worksheet?
Whenever students need repeated practice at one level, with numbers that change every time. Three moments where a fresh sheet beats a premade one:
Fact fluency practice
Set the problem type to Facts, within 10 or within 20, and print a quick sheet for the first five minutes of math. Every sheet has new facts, so students build speed instead of memorizing one page.
Teaching borrowing
Start with sheets that never borrow, like 86 - 42, then move to sheets where every problem borrows, like 52 - 27. One setting changes the sheet, so each student can work at the step they are on.
Homework and sub plans
Print a sheet that matches this week's lesson for homework, or leave one in the substitute folder. The answer key comes with it, so a parent or a substitute can mark the page without doing the math.
Core features of
a subtraction worksheet generator
A good worksheet tool lets you set the skill and the numbers, then gives you a clean sheet. Here is what this one does, from the first setting to the printed page.
Choose facts or multi-digit
Problem type has two choices. Facts makes basic subtraction facts within 10 or within 20, like 9 - 4 or 15 - 8. Multi-Digit makes longer problems in columns. A hint under the setting shows an example.
- Facts within 10 or within 20
- Multi-Digit for column subtraction
- A hint with an example problem
Set the size of each number
In Multi-Digit, pick 1 to 5 digits for the First number and the Second number, such as 3-digit minus 2-digit. Or choose Custom range and type the exact lowest and highest number for either one.
- 1 to 5 digits for each number
- Custom range for exact numbers
- The bigger number goes on top
Control the borrowing
The Borrowing (regrouping) setting has three choices. Mixed gives some problems that borrow and some that don't. None never borrows. Always makes every problem borrow at least once. A hint says which is on.
- Mixed, None, or Always
- A hint with an example
- A warning if the numbers can't fit
An answer key for every sheet
Switch between the Worksheet and the Answer Key. The key shows the same problems with every difference written in red. Press New Problems for a different set with the same settings.
- Every answer in red
- New Problems gives fresh numbers
- The key always matches the sheet
Set the layout, then download or print
Choose 1 to 100 problems, Vertical or Horizontal, the problems per row, and the text size. Then download the Worksheet and the Answer Key as two PDFs, or press Print. Choose US Letter or A4.
- 1 to 100 problems per sheet
- Vertical or horizontal format
- Two PDFs: the worksheet and the key
How to make
a subtraction worksheet
Five steps from a blank page to a stack of sheets, and most of the time goes to choosing the numbers.
Choose the problem type
Under Problems, pick Facts for basic subtraction facts or Multi-Digit for longer numbers. The title on the sheet changes to match, such as "2-Digit Subtraction".
Set the number sizes
In Multi-Digit, open the First number and Second number menus and pick from 1 to 5 digits. In Facts, choose Within 10 or Within 20 instead. Use Custom range for exact numbers.
Choose the borrowing
Pick Mixed, None, or Always under Borrowing. Then set How many, the format, and the problems per row. The directions read "Find each difference." until you type your own.
Press New Problems for another
Press New Problems for different numbers with the same settings. Switch to Answer Key to check the red answers. Do it as often as you like.
Download or print
Choose US Letter or A4, then download the Worksheet for the students and the Answer Key for yourself. Or press Print to send the sheet to the printer.
That's the whole worksheet
Choose the skill once and print as many different sheets as you need. The generator is at the top of this page.
Make a Subtraction Worksheet
Get started in under 5 minutes.
Sign up and walk through the onboarding tutorial. By the end you've got your classes set up and you're ready to plan your first lesson. No credit card required.
Get Started for FreeMore than a worksheet template
A premade sheet has fixed numbers and one answer key. This one builds new problems from your settings, never gives a negative answer, and writes the key for you. It runs in any browser, including a locked-down school laptop.
No negative answers
In every problem the bigger number goes on top, so a student never meets an answer below zero by accident.
Facts within 10 or 20
Within 10 keeps the top number at 10 or less. Within 20 goes up to 20 with answers up to 10, so it stays a fact, not a long problem.
A title, directions, and Name and Date
The title follows your settings, such as "Subtraction Facts within 20". Edit it and the directions on the page. The Name and Date row switches off in one click.
US Letter or A4
Pick the paper you print on and the page is laid out for it. The worksheet and the answer key are two separate PDFs.
Your settings are remembered
Your problem type, digits, borrowing, and layout stay in this browser, so you can close the tab and pick up later. Nothing is uploaded.
Free, and no watermark
No account, no sign-up, and no logo across the page. The only mark is a small "Made with EMStudio" line in the footer.
Who is the subtraction worksheet generator for?
Anyone who needs subtraction practice at the right level and does not want to write the problems. If a premade sheet never matches where your students are, it is for you.
Classroom teachers
Warm-ups, homework, and review for first grade through middle school. Set the digits for your class, print a copy for every student, and keep the answer key for yourself.
Tutors and homeschool parents
Make a sheet for the exact step a child is on and print it at the kitchen table. Start with facts within 10, then move up to borrowing when the child is ready.
Special education and intervention teachers
Choose no borrowing, use a large text size, and print only a few problems per row. Build the sheet around the one step a student still needs.
How EMStudio's subtraction worksheet generator is different
Many subtraction worksheet generators bury the download behind a sign-up, add a logo to the page, or give you no answer key. This one is built by the team behind a full teacher planner, and it treats a worksheet as part of your lesson.
Free, with nothing held back
The full PDF, the answer key, both paper sizes, and printing, all without an account or a daily limit. The only mark on the page is a small "Made with EMStudio" footer line.
Borrowing you can control
Choose whether problems never borrow, always borrow, or mix both. A hint shows an example, and a warning tells you when your numbers cannot fit the choice.
Part of a full teacher planner
A worksheet is one small part of a lesson. When you are ready, EMStudio's lesson planner holds the rest: every class's lessons on a weekly calendar, beside your students, grades, and attendance.
More free teacher tools
FAQ
Try EMStudio today.
Create your first class, build a lesson, and take attendance all in under five minutes.
No credit card required.
Get Started for FreeYou have 3 lessons and 2 tasks today.