Subtraction worksheets for Grade 1

Grade 1 subtraction moves from taking away objects to knowing facts. Kids usually master subtraction within 10 first, then work toward 20. Counting back works for small jumps, such as 9 minus 2, but it gets clumsy for bigger ones.

Begin with within 10. Easy keeps the starting number at 5 or less, and medium goes up to 10. When your kid is steady, try within 20. The easy level avoids crossing ten, so a problem like 15 minus 3 comes before 15 minus 7. Hard crosses ten and uses stacked layout, which is a real stretch for most six year olds.

Missing number sheets look like 9 minus a blank equals 4, or a blank minus 3 equals 5. They are a gentle way to show that subtraction and addition are partners. If your kid is stuck, ask: what plus 4 makes 9?

Subtraction facts need more repeats than addition facts. A few problems a day is better than a big stack. Watch for the common mix-up where kids subtract the smaller number from the bigger one in the wrong order, and talk about why the bigger number comes first.