Subtraction Worksheet: Counting and Subtracting for Preschoolers
This worksheet introduces children ages 4-5 to the concept of subtraction as 'taking away' by having them count a group of objects, cross out the number indicated, and write how many remain. Building this concrete, visual understanding of subtraction before introducing abstract number sentences helps children grasp what the minus sign actually means rather than just memorizing a procedure.
Part of the pack
Month 4: Learning & Development | Ages 5-6
This is page 10 of the pack. Ages 5-6 · KindergartenAges 5-6 · Year 1Ages 5-6 · UKGAges 5-6
Made for your child
Taking away within 10, made for your child
A maths pack with your child's name in it: pictures that explain, practice at three levels, puzzles and story sums about them. Print a new set whenever they finish.
Make a maths packFree preview · free for members
See all 7 personalised packsAbout this worksheet
- Topic:
- Subtraction
- Skill:
- Subtraction Basics (Subtraction): Subtract numbers within 20.
- Pack:
- Page 10 of 30 in Month 4: Learning & Development | Ages 5-6.
How to use this worksheet
Look at the first number sentence together and read it aloud, like 'five take away two.' Have your child count the objects pictured, touching each one as they count. Ask them to cross out the number of objects being subtracted, then count how many are left uncrossed. Have them write that remaining number in the blank, and repeat the process for each problem on the page.
Materials needed
- Pencil
- Eraser
Extension activities
- 1Use small snacks or toys to physically act out subtraction — start with a group, take some away, and count what's left.
- 2Create your own simple subtraction story problems using your child's favorite toys.
- 3Play a game where you start with a number of claps and 'subtract' by stopping early, then count how many happened.
- 4Draw a group of objects and have your child cross some out to match a subtraction sentence you say aloud.
Written by
Hemsweta Jain · Teacher Cheena
MBA and Early Childhood Educator, teaching since 2014 · Founder of RaisoActive, Mumbai
Every RaisoActive worksheet is designed and checked by the founder before publishing.
Published · Last reviewed
More from Month 4: Learning & Development | Ages 5-6
Subtraction Fun: Counting and Subtracting Worksheet for Kids
Ages 4-6
Truckload Addition Worksheet for Preschoolers
Ages 4-5
Parts of a Plant Cut and Paste Worksheet for Kids
Ages 3-5
Cut and Paste Number Matching Worksheet: Numbers 31-40
Ages 4-6
Clean Hands Worksheet: Germs and Handwashing Experiment
Ages 4-6
Lungs Activity Worksheet for Kids: Color, Cut, and Learn!
Ages 3-5
Sight Words Worksheet: Trace, Write, and Color 'She'!
Ages 4-6
Wh, Sh, Th, Ch Sounds Worksheet for Preschoolers
Ages 4-5
Related worksheets
Subtraction Fun: Counting and Subtracting Worksheet for Kids
Ages 3-5
Subtraction Fun: Candy and Treats Worksheet for Kids!
Ages 4-6
Subtraction Fun: Cross Out and Count the Cupcakes!
Ages 4-5
Subtraction Worksheet: Count and Subtract!
Ages 4-5
Subtraction Worksheet: Count and Subtract for Preschoolers
Ages 4-5
Subtraction Worksheet: Practice Subtracting with Fun Pictures!
Ages 4-6
Subtraction Fun: Count and Subtract with Cute Animals!
Ages 4-6
Crossword Math Worksheet: Fill in the Missing Numbers!
Ages 4-6
Guides for this topic
Number Formation Rhymes 0–9 and How to Fix Reversals
Original number formation rhymes for 0–9, the correct stroke order for each digit, why 3, 5 and 7 get reversed most often, and multisensory fixes that work.
UKG Syllabus Explained: English, Maths and EVS Month by Month
What UKG classes typically cover in English, maths and EVS, month by month, aligned to NEP 2020, with ways to support at home and signs your child is behind.
Christmas and Winter Activities That Combine Fun and Learning: Creating Magical Educational Experiences
Discover Christmas and winter activities that combine festive fun with real learning. Crafts, counting, literacy, and printable worksheets for ages 2 to 8 — perfect for home and school.
Reviews
Every worksheet for ages 4–5, no watermark
Members download the full library of 1,000+ worksheets and every activity pack without watermarks or daily limits. One year costs ₹999 in India or $20 elsewhere.
See membership plansOr download any worksheet free with a watermark (5 a day).