Column subtraction (no borrow)
On this page children practise setting out three-digit subtractions in column form and subtracting digit by digit — no borrowing needed. Start with the short method and the examples, then use the online practice or print a worksheet with answers.
How to solve this
- Column subtraction without borrowing: align the digits and subtract each column independently from right to left.
- Since every digit in the top row is greater than or equal to the digit below, no borrowing is needed.
- Check by adding the result to the subtracted number — you must get the starting number back.
Examples
489 − 234 −−− ???
255
756 − 312 −−− ???
444
Practice problems with answers
Solve these problems on paper or out loud, then check the answer key. The online practice and the printable worksheet give a new set every time.
683 − 421 ---
466 − 163 ---
885 − 601 ---
594 − 572 ---
757 − 105 ---
275 − 112 ---
688 − 482 ---
873 − 420 ---
Show answers
- 262
- 303
- 284
- 22
- 652
- 163
- 206
- 453