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Grade 1 / Class 1 Subtraction Worksheets (Ages 6–7)
Grade 1 / Class 1 subtraction worksheets are practice sheets for children aged 6–7. Subtraction is taking a smaller group away from a larger one, or comparing two groups, to find how many or how much remain. The sheets on this page cover taking away from a group, counting back from a number and finding the difference between two numbers.
Grade 1, known as Class 1 in India and Year 2 in the UK, is where a child works through a full page independently: place value with tens and ones, addition and subtraction within 20, and short reading passages followed by comprehension questions replace picture-supported counting sheets. A six-year-old subtracts within 20 and starts to do it without objects. The useful worksheet at this age links each subtraction to an addition the child already knows, so 13 − 5 is answered by thinking "5 and what makes 13" rather than by eight backward hops. Fact-family boxes, missing-number sentences and finding the difference between two rows of pictures all belong here. Do not expect speed yet; expect a chosen strategy.
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Grade 1 / Class 1 Subtraction Worksheets to print
Browse all worksheets for ages 6–7
Treat Count Picture Graph: Halloween Data Handling Worksheet
Ages 4-8 · Pre-K–Grade 2Ages 4-8 · Reception–Year 3Ages 4-8 · LKG–Class 2Ages 4-8
Children count five kinds of Halloween treats, record them as a picture graph and read it to compare amounts.
3-Digit Subtraction Worksheet for Kids
Ages 5-7 · Kindergarten–Grade 1Ages 5-7 · Year 1–Year 2Ages 5-7 · UKG–Class 1Ages 5-7
Subtracting three-digit numbers introduces children to borrowing, or regrouping, across place value columns, a more demanding skill than simple subtraction since it requires understanding that a ten can be 'broken' into ones when a column doesn't have enough to subtract from. For ages five to seven, this worksheet builds the procedural foundation for confident multi-digit subtraction going forward.
Pumpkin Shapes and Sizes: Halloween Ordering and Shapes Worksheet
Ages 4-8 · Pre-K–Grade 2Ages 4-8 · Reception–Year 3Ages 4-8 · LKG–Class 2Ages 4-8
Children order objects by size, recognise and count triangles, circles, squares and stars, and use shapes to design a face.
Word Problems Worksheet: Practice Subtraction with Fun Pictures!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This subtraction word problem worksheet gives children ages 4-6 practice translating a short story into a math equation, using pictures of objects being taken away to make the abstract idea of subtraction concrete. Reading, counting, and subtracting in sequence builds the same problem-solving pathway children will rely on for more advanced word problems later in school. Visual supports, like crossed-out or removed objects in the pictures, help children see subtraction as an action rather than just a symbol.
Subtraction Fun: Count and Subtract with Cute Animals!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Counting a group of animal pictures and then crossing out or removing a specified number teaches children ages 4-6 the concept of subtraction as taking away from a starting quantity, which is easier to grasp visually than through numbers alone. Writing the remaining total after the take-away step reinforces that subtraction results in a smaller, specific number, connecting the physical act of removing objects to a written numeral. Using cute animal pictures as the countable objects keeps a potentially tricky math concept approachable and fun.
Subtraction Worksheet: Count and Subtract for Preschoolers
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet introduces children ages 4-6 to subtraction by having them count a group of objects, take away the indicated amount, and write the resulting difference. Grounding subtraction in physical counting rather than abstract number facts helps children build real number sense, understanding subtraction as 'taking away' rather than just memorizing symbols and answers.
Subtraction Fun: Count and Subtract with Hands and Objects!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet introduces basic subtraction by having children count a starting group of objects and then 'take away' a smaller amount indicated by the minus sign, connecting the abstract concept of subtraction to something they can see and count. For four- to six-year-olds, visualizing subtraction as physically removing objects from a group — rather than just manipulating numbers — makes the concept concrete before they move to solving subtraction problems with numbers alone.
Fun Add & Subtract Worksheet for Preschoolers!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet introduces children ages 4-6 to the basics of addition and subtraction by having them count pictured objects, record the quantities, and then combine or take away groups to find a total. Working with visual objects rather than abstract numbers alone helps children build a concrete understanding of what addition and subtraction actually mean before they're expected to solve equations using numbers only.
Addition and Subtraction Sums Worksheet for Preschoolers
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Practicing addition and subtraction problems within 10 together, rather than in separate worksheets, helps children see the two operations as related, that subtraction can undo addition, which builds more flexible number sense than drilling each skill in isolation. For ages four to six, working within small numbers keeps the focus on understanding the operations rather than on managing large quantities.
Navratri Laddoo Maths: Add, Take Away and Share
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Children add two picture groups, take away by crossing out, share laddoos equally between plates and find the missing part of number bonds that make 9.
Subtraction Worksheet: Practice Subtracting with Fun Pictures!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Children ages 4-6 practice subtraction by looking at a set of pictured objects, crossing out or removing the indicated amount, and writing the resulting total. Seeing subtraction visually, rather than only as abstract numbers, helps children genuinely understand what 'taking away' means before relying on memorized facts. This visual approach builds a strong foundation for mental math strategies used in later grades.
Flower Power Subtraction Worksheet for Kids
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet gives children ages 4-6 hands-on subtraction practice using a flower-themed counting context, asking them to count pictured objects, subtract a given amount, and write the difference in a circle. The visual, countable format helps make subtraction concrete rather than abstract, reinforcing that 'taking away' reduces a group's total in a way children can see and verify by recounting.
Subtraction Worksheet: Count and Subtract with Fun Objects!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet grounds subtraction in something 4-6 year olds can actually see and count — a group of objects being taken away — rather than starting with abstract numerals and symbols. Because your child has to count the starting group, physically account for the number being subtracted, and then count what's left, this builds real number sense about what subtraction means, not just a memorized fact.
Subtraction Fun: Cut and Paste the Answers!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet grounds subtraction in something concrete for children ages 4-6 by having them count visual object groups, subtract, and then physically select and paste the correct numeral answer from a set of choices. Counting objects before subtracting keeps the math anchored in real quantities rather than abstract numerals alone, which is exactly the kind of support young learners need before they're ready for purely symbolic subtraction. The cut-and-paste answer selection also adds a layer of verification, since your child has to search through several numeral options to find the one that truly matches their calculated answer.
Golu Doll Fun: Navratri Golu Counting and Sharing Worksheet
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Children learn that a golu is a display of dolls on steps set up for Navratri. They count the dolls on each step and find the total, then share cups of sundal among friends and count what is left over.
Navratri Counting Worksheet: Count the Festival Fun
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Children count small groups of festival pictures and write the number, trace and write the numbers 1 to 9, compare two groups to find the one with more, and colour a set number of diyas.
Crossword Math Worksheet: Fill in the Missing Numbers!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This crossword-style worksheet has 4-6 year olds solve a series of subtraction equations to fill in missing numbers, then cross-check their answers by matching them across and down within the grid — a built-in accuracy check that regular subtraction worksheets don't offer. Because an answer has to be correct in both directions to complete the crossword properly, this format naturally encourages your child to double-check their subtraction rather than move on after a single attempt.
Subtraction Fun: Counting and Subtracting Worksheet for Kids
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet teaches children ages 4-6 the concept of subtraction by having them count a group of stars, cross out a specified number, and write how many remain — making the abstract idea of 'taking away' visible and countable rather than purely symbolic. Physically crossing out objects before writing the answer helps children understand subtraction as an action, which is more intuitive at this age than memorizing subtraction facts.
Subtraction Worksheet: Find the Row with Matching Answers!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet pushes subtraction practice a step further for children ages 4-6 by having them solve several subtraction problems and then compare the answers across different rows to find matches, adding a layer of number-sense reasoning on top of basic calculation. Recognizing that two different subtraction problems can produce the same answer helps children understand that numbers can be reached in more than one way, which is an important early step toward flexible mathematical thinking. This kind of comparison task also builds attention to detail, since a child has to solve every problem accurately before the matching rows can be found.
Word Problems Worksheet: Solving Addition and Subtraction
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Solving a mix of addition and subtraction word problems trains children ages 4-6 to decide which operation a story calls for, based on whether it describes combining groups or taking something away, a key reasoning skill before formal equation writing.
Subtraction Fun: Practice Problems for Early Learners
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet gives children ages 4-6 repeated practice with basic subtraction, working through simple equations and word problems that build number sense before formal arithmetic instruction begins. Filling in missing numbers within equations also introduces the idea that subtraction is reversible and connected to addition, an early step toward flexible number thinking. Repeated, varied practice like this helps subtraction facts move from effortful counting to quick recall.
Subtraction Fun: Candy and Treats Worksheet for Kids!
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet gives children ages 4-6 concrete practice with subtraction by counting pictured candies and treats, then taking away a stated amount to find the difference. Using a visually appealing, countable context like candy makes the abstract idea of 'taking away' easier to grasp than numbers alone, helping children build the one-to-one counting and comparison skills that subtraction depends on.
Word Problems Worksheet: Solving for Addition and Subtraction
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
This worksheet builds the ability to translate real-world scenarios into number sentences, teaching children ages 4-6 to spot clue words like 'gave away' or 'found more' that signal whether to add or subtract. It also practices reading comprehension applied to math, a key step as children move from rote counting toward applied reasoning.
Word Problems Worksheet for Early Learners
Ages 4-6 · Pre-K–KindergartenAges 4-6 · Reception–Year 1Ages 4-6 · LKG–UKGAges 4-6
Children ages 4-6 practice applying subtraction to real-life scenarios by reading short word problems and figuring out how many items remain after some are taken away, connecting basic subtraction facts to reading comprehension. Translating a written story into a subtraction problem is a more advanced skill than solving bare number sentences, since it requires understanding what the story is actually asking.
What Grade 1 / Class 1 subtraction worksheets cover
A six-year-old subtracts within 20 and starts to do it without objects. The useful worksheet at this age links each subtraction to an addition the child already knows, so 13 − 5 is answered by thinking "5 and what makes 13" rather than by eight backward hops. Fact-family boxes, missing-number sentences and finding the difference between two rows of pictures all belong here. Do not expect speed yet; expect a chosen strategy.
- Write all four facts in a family from 8, 6 and 14
- Find the missing number in 15 − ? = 9
- Subtract through ten in two steps, taking 4 then 2 from 14
- Compare two rows of pictures and say how many more
- Recall subtraction facts within 10 without counting
How to use these worksheets at home or in class
About twenty minutes a day, split between one math page and one reading page on alternating days, matches what most first grade teachers assign as homework. Have your child read every instruction aloud before starting, since that doubles as reading practice.
Start with the sheet that matches what your child can already do, then move one step up. Keep finished sheets in a folder: Grade 1 / Class 1 teachers often ask for evidence of practice, and children like seeing their own progress.
Is your child ready for Grade 1 / Class 1 subtraction work?
A child ready for this stage reads and writes numerals fluently to 20, blends simple words into sentences, follows a written instruction without help, and can explain out loud how they solved a problem rather than only stating the answer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my six-year-old counting back on fingers for every sum?
Fingers are not the problem; using them for facts the child could already know is. Sort the sheet into two piles: facts within 10, which should be recalled, and facts within 20, worked out with a strategy. For the first pile, drill the matching addition until it is automatic, then show that 10 − 7 is 7 + 3 read backward. For the second, teach subtracting to 10 first. Finger use fades once facts are known.
What should a Grade 1 / Class 1 child be able to do in subtraction?
A six-year-old subtracts within 20 and starts to do it without objects. The useful worksheet at this age links each subtraction to an addition the child already knows, so 13 − 5 is answered by thinking "5 and what makes 13" rather than by eight backward hops. Fact-family boxes, missing-number sentences and finding the difference between two rows of pictures all belong here. Do not expect speed yet; expect a chosen strategy. A child ready for this stage reads and writes numerals fluently to 20, blends simple words into sentences, follows a written instruction without help, and can explain out loud how they solved a problem rather than only stating the answer.
Do these worksheets follow the Grade 1 / Class 1 curriculum?
The sheets cover taking away from a group, counting back from a number, finding the difference between two numbers and fact families linked to addition, which sit inside the Common Core Grade 1 (1.OA, 1.NBT, RF.1.3); NEP 2020 Foundational Stage Class 1; National Curriculum KS1 (Year 2) outcomes for Grade 1 / Class 1. Class 1 (India), Year 2 (UK) use the same skills at this age, so the sheets also fit families following those programmes.
Are these Grade 1 / Class 1 subtraction worksheets free?
Yes. Each worksheet downloads free as a watermarked PDF once you create an account, with a limit of five a day. An annual membership ($20) removes the watermark and the limit for the whole library of over 1,000 worksheets and every printable pack.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Written and reviewed by Hemsweta Jain (Teacher Cheena), who designs every RaisoActive worksheet.
Last reviewed
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