Subtraction within 20 worksheet (free printable PDF with answers)
Subtraction within 20 is taught in Class 1 and practised again in Class 2. Sums such as 14 − 6 or 12 − 7 are the tricky ones, because they cross back over 10.
The worksheet starts with six easy take-aways within 10, then moves to sums that cross 10. Page 2 is an answer key for you.
Download the free PDF · Practise subtraction online
Subtraction Within 20: Worksheet with a count-back-to-10 trick and an answer key
Go back to 10 first
15 − 7: take away 5 to reach 10, then 2 more.
10 − 2 = 8, so 15 − 7 = 8.
Subtract. Write the answer.
- 7 − 3 = ______
- 9 − 4 = ______
- 8 − 6 = ______
- 10 − 5 = ______
- 6 − 2 = ______
- 10 − 7 = ______
- 12 − 5 = ______
- 14 − 6 = ______
- 11 − 3 = ______
- 13 − 7 = ______
- 15 − 8 = ______
- 16 − 9 = ______
- 12 − 7 = ______
- 11 − 6 = ______
- 17 − 8 = ______
- 13 − 4 = ______
- 14 − 9 = ______
- 15 − 6 = ______
- 11 − 8 = ______
- 16 − 7 = ______
- 12 − 9 = ______
- 18 − 9 = ______
- 13 − 5 = ______
- 14 − 5 = ______
Answer key (for grown-ups)
Fold or cover this page while your child works, then check together.
Talk about any mistake: "How did you work it out?"
| Sum | Answer | Sum | Answer | Sum | Answer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 − 3 | 4 | 9 − 4 | 5 | 8 − 6 | 2 |
| 10 − 5 | 5 | 6 − 2 | 4 | 10 − 7 | 3 |
| 12 − 5 | 7 | 14 − 6 | 8 | 11 − 3 | 8 |
| 13 − 7 | 6 | 15 − 8 | 7 | 16 − 9 | 7 |
| 12 − 7 | 5 | 11 − 6 | 5 | 17 − 8 | 9 |
| 13 − 4 | 9 | 14 − 9 | 5 | 15 − 6 | 9 |
| 11 − 8 | 3 | 16 − 7 | 9 | 12 − 9 | 3 |
| 18 − 9 | 9 | 13 − 5 | 8 | 14 − 5 | 9 |
How to use this worksheet
- Do six sums a day. Short, regular practice works better than one long sitting.
- Use real things first: 14 sweets, take away 6, count what is left.
- For sums that cross 10, use the go-back-to-10 trick in the box at the top.
- Ask your child to check a subtraction with addition: 14 − 6 = 8 because 8 + 6 = 14.
The go-back-to-10 trick
To work out 14 − 6, split the 6 into 4 and 2. 14 − 4 takes you back to 10, and 10 − 2 is 8. This is counting back in two easy jumps.
Practice
- 13 − 5 = ?
Show answer
8 (13 − 3 = 10, then 10 − 2 = 8) - 12 − 9 = ?
Show answer
3 - 16 − 7 = ?
Show answer
9 - How can you check 15 − 8 = 7?
Show answer
Add: 7 + 8 = 15
Lessons on MangoMindz
- Class 1 Maths: Adding and Taking Away up to 20: Free picture lessons and a quiz
- Class 1 Maths: Taking Away within 10: Free picture lessons and a quiz
- Class 2 Maths: Subtraction up to 99: Free picture lessons and a quiz
More printable charts
- Addition Within 20: 24 sums with a make-ten trick and an answer key.
- Number Names 1–100: Every number from 1 to 100 in English and Hindi, with अंक.
- Table of 2: 2 × 1 to 2 × 12, a quick trick and practice.
- All free printable charts: Tables 1–20, number names, Hindi and English charts
Frequently asked questions
Which class is this subtraction worksheet for?
Class 1 (ages 6–7) and Class 2 (ages 7–8), once your child can take away within 10.
Does the worksheet have answers?
Yes. Page 2 is an answer key for parents and teachers; page 1 has only the sums.
Is it free to print?
Yes. Download the free two-page A4 PDF or use Print. No sign-in is needed.