Grade 1 Math

Subtraction to 20

Subtraction to 20 helps children practise subtracting within 20, including some problems that go back through 10. Read the short guide, solve one task online, and print a worksheet for extra repetition.

How to solve this

  • Start with the first number.
  • If needed, jump back to 10 first.
  • Then subtract the rest and read the number you reached.

Examples

15 - 4 = ?

11

13 - 6 = ?

7

What children practice

  • subtraction within 20
  • jumping back through 10
  • reading the difference with confidence

Practice online

Try one short exercise in the browser.

Printable worksheet

Create a fresh printable worksheet with an answer key for extra practice on paper.

Related topics

Back to Grade 1 Math Previous topic: Addition to 20 Next topic: Mixed Addition and Subtraction to 20
Addition to 20Mixed Addition and Subtraction to 20Numbers to 20

FAQ

What should children know before subtraction to 20?

It helps if children are already comfortable with subtraction to 10 and numbers to 20.

What can we do if subtraction to 20 feels hard?

If the subtraction crosses 10, go back to 10 first and then take away the rest.

How much practice is enough?

A short round of 5 to 10 minutes is usually enough for first graders. Stop while the child is still focused.