1st grade subtraction within 20 worksheets

First graders subtract within 20 using strategies like counting back, counting up, and thinking of the matching addition fact. The stacked layout mirrors the addition sheets, so the two skills feel like one family.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 1.OA.C.6.

A new sheet every click.

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The kind of problems you'll get

Solve each problem. Write your answer on the line.

14 − 6 =
Answer: 8
11 − 6 =
20 − 8 =

Every print pulls a fresh set of problems at this level, so a make-up test or a second sibling never gets the same sheet.

What's on each sheet

Fluency. Solve each problem. Write your answer on the line. 25 questions per page.
Mad-Minute Grid. Solve as many as you can. Write each answer under its problem. 25 questions per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key on the last page.

How to teach this

Start with facts your child can picture, like 10 − 4. Show counting up as well as counting back: for 12 − 9, counting up from nine is three quick hops. Keep sessions short and say the whole fact aloud each time.

Watch for: Kids count backward one at a time and lose track. Counting UP from the smaller number (13 − 9: 9 to 13 is 4) is faster and surer. Kids read 13 − 5 as 15 − 3 when working fast. Have them touch the first number and say it before subtracting.

Common questions about subtraction within 20

Should my 1st grader still count on fingers?: Fingers are fine early in the year. Nudge toward counting up from the smaller number: for 12 − 9 that's three quick hops.
Are the problems the same on every print?: No. Each print pulls a fresh set of facts within 20, so a sibling or a second try never sees the same sheet.

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Aligned to Common Core 1.OA.C.6. Reviewed by the One more sheet curriculum team. Content version 123, updated July 2026.