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Subtraction Games for Kids
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    • Subtract With Pictures Skills

    View all 35 games
    • Remove and Match the Number
      Subtract With Pictures
      Remove and Match the Number

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring how to remove and match the number.

      Pre-K K K.OA.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Take Away to Match the Number
      Subtract With Pictures
      Take Away to Match the Number

      Apply your knowledge of subtraction to take away to match the number.

      Pre-K K K.OA.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find One Less
      Subtract With Pictures
      Find One Less

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to find one less.

      Pre-K K K.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtraction with Pictures
      Subtract With Pictures
      Subtraction with Pictures

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract with pictures.

      Pre-K K PK.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS

    Subtraction Strategies Skills

    View all 48 games
    • Use Double Facts to Subtract
      Doubles And Near Doubles Subtraction Strategy
      Use Double Facts to Subtract

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by using double facts to subtract.

      1 2 2.OA.2
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Subtraction Sentences to find the difference
      Count Back Strategy
      Use Subtraction Sentences to find the difference

      Dive deep into the world of subtraction by using subtraction sentences to find the difference.

      K 1 K.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtraction Equations
      Count Back Strategy
      Subtraction Equations

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to complete subtraction equations.

      K K.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Add Near Doubles Numbers
      Doubles And Near Doubles Subtraction Strategy
      Add Near Doubles Numbers

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by practicing how to add near doubles.

      1 1.OA.6
      VIEW DETAILS

    2-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 30 games
    • Subtract Multiples to 10 using Visuals
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract Multiples to 10 using Visuals

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to subtract multiples of 10 using visuals.

      1 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract By Regrouping
      2-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Subtract By Regrouping

      Learn to solve math problems through subtracting by regrouping.

      2 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Difference of Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Identify the Difference of Multiples of 10

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to identify the difference of multiples of 10.

      1 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use Place Value to Subtract
      2-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Use Place Value to Subtract

      Take the first step towards building your math castle by practicing to use place values to subtract.

      2 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS

    3-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 57 games
    • Solve by Subtracting Multiples of 100
      3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Solve by Subtracting Multiples of 100

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by solving by subtracting multiples of 100.

      2 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract by Breaking Up Tens
      3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Subtract by Breaking Up Tens

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to subtract by breaking up tens.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtracting Multiples of 100
      3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtracting Multiples of 100

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by subtracting multiples of 100.

      2 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Use place Value to Subtract by Breaking Tens
      3-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Use place Value to Subtract by Breaking Tens

      Sharpen your subtraction skills by using place values to subtract by breaking tens.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS

    4-Digit Subtraction Skills

    View all 23 games
    • Regroup and Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Regroup and Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Children must regroup and subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Regroup to Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Number
      4-Digit Subtraction With Regrouping
      Regroup to Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Number

      Regroup to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers in this game.

      4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 2-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Sharpen your math skills by subtracting 2-digit numbers from 4-digit numbers without regrouping.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping
      4-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
      Subtract 3-Digit Numbers from 4-Digit Numbers Without Regrouping

      Subtract 3-digit numbers from 4-digit numbers without regrouping.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS

    Large Numbers Subtraction Skills

    View all 8 games
    • Use Column Method to Subtract and Find the Difference
      5-Digit Subtraction
      Use Column Method to Subtract and Find the Difference

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by using the column method to subtract and find the difference.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fill in the Correct DIfference
      6-Digit Subtraction
      Fill in the Correct DIfference

      Fill in the correct dIfference to practice subtraction.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve and Fill in the Correct DIfference
      6-Digit Subtraction
      Solve and Fill in the Correct DIfference

      Kids must solve and fill in the correct difference to practice subtraction.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract and FInd the DIfference
      5-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract and FInd the DIfference

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by subtracting to find the difference.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS

    All Subtraction Skills

    • Subtract and Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Subtract and Match

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract and match.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve Word Problems on Take From Scenarios
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Word Problems on Take From Scenarios

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by learning to solve word problems on "Take From" scenarios.

      1 2 2.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve Scenarios with 'Difference Unknown'
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Scenarios with 'Difference Unknown'

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to solve scenarios with 'Difference Unknown'.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Complete the Subtraction Sentence
      Subtraction Strategies
      Complete the Subtraction Sentence

      Ask your little one to complete the subtraction sentence to play this game.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve Difference Unknown Scenarios
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Difference Unknown Scenarios

      Kids must solve difference unknown scenarios to practice subtraction.

      1 2 2.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Solve Subtraction Word Problems
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Solve Subtraction Word Problems

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to solve subtraction word problems.

      2 3 2.NBT.7
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract and Match the Difference
      Subtraction Strategies
      Subtract and Match the Difference

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to subtract and match the difference.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers using models.

      3
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fill the Missing Number and Complete the Subtraction Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Fill the Missing Number and Complete the Subtraction Solution

      Kids must fill the missing number and complete the subtraction solution.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Missing Number in Subtraction
      Subtraction Strategies
      Find the Missing Number in Subtraction

      Use your subtraction skills to find the missing number.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Multiples of 10 using Place Value
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Multiples of 10 using Place Value

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract multiples of 10 using place values.

      1 2 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by exploring how to fluently subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify and FIll the Missing Number in the Subtraction Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Identify and FIll the Missing Number in the Subtraction Solution

      Apply your math skills to identify and fIll the missing number in the subtraction solution.

      4 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Difference Using Models
      Subtract With Pictures
      Find the Difference Using Models

      Ask your little one to find the difference using models to play this game.

      Pre-K K K.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Difference and Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Find the Difference and Match

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to find the difference and match.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Match the Difference of Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Match the Difference of Multiples of 10

      Add more arrows to your child’s math quiver by matching the difference of multiples of 10.

      1 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find 100 Less than a 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Find 100 Less than a 3-Digit Number

      Use your subtraction skills to find 100 less than a 3-digit number.

      2 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 2-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Enjoy the marvel of math-multiverse by exploring to subtract 2-digit from 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Recognize the Missing Numbers in the Subtraction Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Recognize the Missing Numbers in the Subtraction Solution

      Kids must recognize the missing numbers in the subtraction solution to practice subtraction.

      4 5 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Decompose to Make a Number
      Subtract With Pictures
      Decompose to Make a Number

      Enjoy the marvel of mathematics by learning to decompose to make a number.

      Pre-K K K.OA.3
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Missing Number in Subtraction Equation
      Subtraction Strategies
      Find the Missing Number in Subtraction Equation

      Kids must find the missing number in subtraction equations.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Word Problems to Subtract Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Word Problems to Subtract Multiples of 10

      Help your child take flight by learning how to solve word problems to subtract multiples of 10.

      1 2 1.NBT.6
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 100 from a 3-Digit Number
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 100 from a 3-Digit Number

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to subtract 100 from a 3-digit number.

      2 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers Using Model

      Use your math skills to subtract 3-digit from 4-digit numbers using models.

      3
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Count to Tell One Less
      Subtract With Pictures
      Count to Tell One Less

      Take a look at how to count to tell 'one less' with this subtraction game.

      Pre-K K K.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Find the Difference to Match
      Subtraction Strategies
      Find the Difference to Match

      Shine bright in the math world by learning how to find the difference to match.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract Using Place Value Chart
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract Using Place Value Chart

      Let your child see the world through math-colored shades by subtracting using a place value chart.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtracting 100 from 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtracting 100 from 3-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve real world problems by subtracting 100 from 3-digit numbers.

      2 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Fluently Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Fluently Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers

      Learn to solve math problems by fluently subtracting 3-digit from 4-digit numbers.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract using Counters
      Subtract With Pictures
      Subtract using Counters

      Begin the exciting journey of becoming a math wizard by learning how to subtract using counters.

      Pre-K K K.OA.1
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Missing Number in Subtraction
      Subtraction Strategies
      Identify the Missing Number in Subtraction

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring to identify the missing number in subtraction.

      Pre-K K
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Taking Away Multiples of 10
      2-Digit Subtraction
      Taking Away Multiples of 10

      Enter the madness of math-multiverse by exploring how to take away multiples of 10.

      2 3 2.NBT.5
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 10 and 100 from 3-Digit Numbers
      3-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 10 and 100 from 3-Digit Numbers

      Unearth the wisdom of mathematics by learning how to subtract 10 and 100 from 3-digit numbers.

      2 3 2.NBT.8
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match
      4-Digit Subtraction
      Subtract 3-Digit From 4-Digit Numbers and Match

      Practice the superpower of math by learning how to subtract 3-digit from 4-digit numbers and match.

      3 4
      VIEW DETAILS
    • Identify the Missing Numbers in the Subtractions Solution
      Large Numbers Subtraction
      Identify the Missing Numbers in the Subtractions Solution

      Help kids practice subtraction by identifying the missing numbers in subtraction solutions.

      4 5 4.NBT.4
      VIEW DETAILS
    1 2 ... 5 →

    What Is Subtraction?

    Subtraction is a math operation to find the difference between two numbers. It's like taking away or removing something. For example, if you have 8 apples and you eat 3, subtraction helps you know you have 8 - 3 = 5 apples left.

    Subtraction means you are taking away something from a number of things or a group of things. A subtraction equation looks like this:

    Subtraction equation example

     

    What Are Subtraction Sentences and Subtraction Facts?

    Subtraction Sentences: 

    Subtraction sentences are mathematical statements that show the process of taking away one quantity from another, along with the final result (difference). For example, "5 apples - 2 apples = 3 apples" is a subtraction sentence, where the minuend is 5, the subtrahend is 2, and the difference is 3.

    Explore these simple Subtraction Sentences Games to strengthen the concept!

    Subtraction Facts: 

    Subtraction facts are basic calculations that involve finding the difference between two numbers. These are memorized math facts that help solve subtraction problems quickly. 

    Example: Here are some example of subtraction Facts of 1

    1 - 1 = 0, 2 - 1 = 1, 3 - 1 = 2, 4 - 1 = 3, 5 - 1 = 4, 6 - 1 = 5, etc.

    Play Subtraction Facts Games for better understanding!

    Learning Methodologies for Subtraction

    Subtraction based on Counting Skills

    Check out Subtraction with Pictures Games for learning subtraction with fun activities.

    Example:  If you take away 2 from 3, you get 1

    Equation: 3 – 2 = 1

    Example: Subtract 5 – 3. 

    Start from 5. Move 3 units to the left. The answer is the number you end up at.
     

    Subtraction on number line

     

    Example: Find the unknown number in the following equations.

    5 – ? = 3

    3 + ? = 5

    The student needs to think of a number that should be subtracted from 5 to get 3 or a number that should be added to 3 to get 5.

     Example: Find 15 – 7.

    We know that 8 + 7 = 15

    So 15 – 7 = 8.

    Example: Find the unknown number in the equation 6 – ? = 2.

    Subtraction based on Place Values

    To perform subtraction with larger numbers, a strong grasp of place value is crucial. The rule of subtracting hundreds from hundreds, tens from tens, and ones from ones must be understood.

    Example: 82 – 31 means subtracting 3 tens and 1 one from 8 tens and 2 ones

    8 tens 2 ones – 3 tens 1 ones = 5 tens and 1 ones = 51

    Try your hand at more such subtraction problems with Subtraction without Regrouping Games!

    Example:
     

    Subtracting 158 from 527

     

    1. Start with ones place: Since 8 ones cannot be subtracted from 7 ones. So, borrowing 1 ten = 10 ones from tens place makes  1 ten 7 ones = 17 ones and 2 tens – 1 ten = 1 ten.
      17  – 8 = 9
    2. Move to tens place: Since 5 tens cannot be subtracted from 1 ten. So, borrowing 1 hundred = 10 tens from hundreds place makes 10 tens 1 ten = 11 tens and 5 hundred – 1 hundred = 4 hundred.
      11  – 5 = 6
    3. Conclude with hundreds place: Finally, 5 hundred 2 tens and 7 ones become 4 hundreds 11 tens and 17 ones.
      4  – 1 = 3

    Let’s see the complete calculation.

     

    Subtraction with regrouping

     

    The above process illustrates subtraction with regrouping.

    Practice more and more problems with Subtraction with Regrouping Games and master subtraction concepts with ease!

    Fun Math Tools for Teaching Subtraction

    1. Counters: Counters are one of the most useful math manipulatives in understanding base math. This method is particularly useful in understanding basic subtraction. It provides the student visual understanding of subtracting smaller numbers. This primitive step can set the foundation for learning subtraction as a simple mathematics process and further enhance their ability to subtract larger numbers as well. 

    Example: To subtract 3 from 7, the student should place 7 counters on a table, take away 3 from them and then count the remaining number of counters to find the difference.

     

    Subtraction with counters

     

    Counters can be effectively used for performing subtraction within 20. Using counters to solve subtraction problems involving bigger numbers can make it cumbersome and time-consuming. The following methods can help resolve this limitation of the counter method.

    Here’s a simple subtraction game online - Subtraction with Counters Game! Check it out for fun math practice!

    2. Base Ten Blocks: The base ten blocks represent the model of the base ten number system. The smallest cube is called 1 unit. Each rod consists of 10 such cubes and is called 1 ten or 10 ones. The flat square consists of 10 such rods and is called 1 hundred or 10 tens or 100 ones. The block consists of 10 flat squares and each square has 100 ones, therefore each block is called 1 thousand or 10 hundreds or 100 tens or 1000 ones.
     

    Base 10 blocks

     

    The base 10 blocks make understanding of subtraction with regrouping really easy. It involves trading some of the bigger blocks with blocks of smaller value.

    Example: Subtract 29 from 87.

    Trade 1 ten from 8 tens with 10 ones. Now, 8 tens 7 ones becomes 7 tens 17 ones.

    Subtracting 2 tens 9 ones from 7 tens 17 ones gives 5 tens 8 ones.

    So, it gives 87 – 29 = 58.

    Take a look at this Subtract using Base-10 Blocks Game for better understanding!

    Progression of Subtraction Concepts with Grades
     

    Grade

    Subtraction Concepts

    Pre-K
    • Understand subtraction as taking apart and taking away from.
    • Concept of finding one less 
    • Subtract using pictures, counters, etc.
    • Use concrete objects to model real-world subtraction problems up through five.

    Kindergarten
    • Introduce subtraction through pictures, counting skills, and converting sentences to equations. 
    • Subtraction within 10.

    Grade 1
    • Counting back on the number line
    • Understanding addition-subtraction relationship, Subtracting within 10
    • Subtracting multiples of 10.

    Grade 2
    • Fluent subtraction within 20
    • Subtracting 1-digit from 3-digit, 2-digit from 3-digit, 3-digit from 3-digit
    • Regrouping within 1000.

    Grade 3
    • Two-digit subtraction with regrouping
    • Multi-digit subtraction with and without regrouping using place value knowledge.

    Grade 4
    • Subtraction of fractions with practice and strategies.

    Grade 5
    • Subtraction of decimals with deep understanding and application of techniques.

     

    How Can Children Use Subtraction in Real Life?

     

    Importance of Introducing Subtraction to Kids through Games

    Subtraction Math Games vs. Traditional Methods

    Kids can master subtraction through engaging subtraction fluency games. Incorporating subtraction concepts into interactive games not only boosts engagement but also enhances understanding through visual aids, adaptive learning, and instant feedback.

    What Are the 5 Best Subtraction Games and Activities for Kids?

    Here are a few online fun Subtraction games by SplashLearn:

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