Subtraction worksheets for Grade 2

Grade 2 is the year subtraction gets bigger. Kids work on facts within 20 that cross ten, like 14 minus 6, and then move on to two-digit numbers. Borrowing, also called regrouping, is the hardest new skill, and it takes time.

If crossing ten still feels slow, start with within 20 at the medium or hard level. Hard problems must cross ten and appear stacked. Once those are steady, try within 100. Easy subtracts a one-digit number from a two-digit number without borrowing. Medium subtracts two two-digit numbers, still without borrowing. Hard needs borrowing, so save it for last.

A good habit is to check subtraction with addition. If 52 minus 27 is 25, then 25 plus 27 should give 52. That check catches many errors and shows kids why the two operations belong together. Missing number sheets practice the same idea.

Borrowing goes wrong in a few predictable ways. Kids may subtract the smaller digit from the larger one in each column, whatever the order. Remind them the top number always comes first. Two or three borrowing problems a sitting is plenty.