Subtraction within 20 Worksheets for 1st Grade
Subtract with minuends up to 20.
About Subtraction within 20
Subtraction across ten is a key milestone. The strategies learned here — like breaking apart numbers — apply to subtracting much larger numbers.
What Your Child Will Learn
- Subtract with minuends up to 20
- Use the "break apart to ten" strategy
- Solve subtraction problems that cross the tens boundary
Worksheets by Difficulty
Start with Easy worksheets to build confidence, then progress to Medium and Hard as your student masters each level.
Tips for Parents & Teachers
Frame subtraction as "taking away" or "how many are left?" at first — it is the most intuitive interpretation for young children.
Connect subtraction to addition: if your child knows 3 + 4 = 7, help them see that 7 - 4 = 3.
Use a number line for counting back — it gives subtraction a visual, physical action.
Word problems are harder because children must figure out the operation. Practice asking "is this an adding or taking-away situation?"
Frequently Asked Questions
What will my child learn from subtraction within 20 worksheets?
These 1st Grade subtraction within 20 worksheets help students practice subtraction, mental math. Each worksheet provides structured practice with clear instructions and varied problem types.
How often should my 1st Grade student practice subtraction within 20?
Consistent practice works best. We recommend 10-15 minutes of focused practice 3-4 times per week. Start with Easy worksheets and progress to Medium and Hard as your student builds confidence.