Two-digit subtraction

20 two-digit subtraction problems with an answer key. Print with your browser; the answers print on a separate page.

Name: ____________________ Date: __________

80 − 77 = ______
72 − 39 = ______
69 − 57 = ______
53 − 31 = ______
45 − 26 = ______
38 − 30 = ______
64 − 10 = ______
84 − 70 = ______
68 − 42 = ______
60 − 49 = ______
98 − 38 = ______
53 − 25 = ______
34 − 30 = ______
82 − 46 = ______
74 − 53 = ______
83 − 15 = ______
93 − 61 = ______
77 − 28 = ______
93 − 54 = ______
92 − 60 = ______

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How to use this worksheet

Print it, set a time limit if you like, and mark it with the key. Press “New worksheet” for a fresh set of numbers at the same level: every set is different, so it works for repeated practice and for a whole class.

Worked example: 80 − 77

Here is the method for the first problem on this sheet, step by step. The same steps work for every problem at this level.

Ones column: 0 is less than 7, so borrow 1 from the tens column: 10 − 7 = 3.
Tens column: 7 − 7 = 0.
The answer is 3. Check by adding: 3 + 77 = 80.

What this level practises

Two-digit subtraction is usually taught in grade 2. This sheet has 20 problems; the answers run from 3 to 68, and the problem with the largest answer is 83 − 15 = 68. Work through the sheet without a calculator, then mark it with the key: the aim is accuracy first and speed second.

Tips for subtraction

Write the larger number on top and line up the columns by place value.
When the top digit is smaller, borrow from the next column to the left; across a zero, borrow from further along.
Check every answer by adding it back to the number you took away; you should get the top number.
Counting up from the smaller number is often quicker than counting back for facts within 20.

Printing

Use your browser’s print command. The menus, buttons and ads are left off the printout, and the answer key starts on a new page so it can be kept back. For a whole class, print one sheet, press “New worksheet” and print again to give each group different numbers.

Other levels

Answer key

80 − 77 = 3
72 − 39 = 33
69 − 57 = 12
53 − 31 = 22
45 − 26 = 19
38 − 30 = 8
64 − 10 = 54
84 − 70 = 14
68 − 42 = 26
60 − 49 = 11
98 − 38 = 60
53 − 25 = 28
34 − 30 = 4
82 − 46 = 36
74 − 53 = 21
83 − 15 = 68
93 − 61 = 32
77 − 28 = 49
93 − 54 = 39
92 − 60 = 32

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Questions

What grade is two-digit subtraction for?

It is usually taught in grade 2, but the right level is the one a child can finish with few mistakes. Move on when a sheet feels easy.

Can I print a different worksheet?

Yes. Press “New worksheet” for a fresh set of numbers at the same level; each set has its own answer key, so you can print as many as you need.

Are the answers checked?

The answers are worked out by the same program that makes the problems, so the key always matches the sheet. The worked example above shows the method.

How long should a worksheet take?

Most children finish 20 problems at a comfortable level in ten to fifteen minutes. If it takes much longer, try an easier level first.