What changes in 2nd grade addition word problems?

The numbers. Stories still take one step, but the amounts go two-digit, so your child adds with regrouping inside a story instead of a bare column. The problem types follow 2.OA.A.1.

Does the answer key show the work?

Yes. Each answer comes with its solution path, like 36 + 27 = 63, so you can see at a glance where a wrong answer went off track.

2nd grade addition word problems

2nd grade addition word problems worksheets

Second grade addition word problems move to two-digit numbers, so regrouping shows up inside a story for the first time. Problems stay one step (2.OA.A.1, 2.NBT.B.5): your child names the two parts, writes the equation, and carries a ten when the ones pass nine. Some teachers and textbooks say story problems. Same page, same skill.

Free printable PDF worksheet, aligned to Common Core 2.OA.A.1, 2.NBT.B.5.

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The kind of problems you'll get

Read each problem. Show your work and write the answer.

Diego had 3 apples. Emma gave Diego 5 apples. How many apples does Diego have now?
Answer: 8
Mei gave away 19 pencils and has 57 left. How many pencils did Mei have at first?
Answer: 76
Imani has 23 cards, and Isabelle has 10 more. How many cards does Isabelle have?
Answer: 33

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

Addition word problems. Read each problem. Show your work and write the answer. 4 problems per page.

Every version prints on US Letter or A4, with its answer key after the problems.

How to teach this

Have your child write the equation in the work space before solving, because writing it out slows down the grab-and-add reflex. Two-digit sums bring regrouping into play, so watch the ones column: 36 + 27 should trigger a carried ten, not land on 53. When an answer looks off, estimate together. About 40 and about 30 should land near 70.

Watch for: In change unknown problems, like 'Caleb had 6 shells and now has 10', kids add the two numbers they can see and answer 16. Act it out with counters: start with 6, add until you reach 10, and count what you added. Kids count on but start the count at the first number, so 8 plus 5 lands on 12. Have them make a fist and say 8, then raise five fingers while counting 9 through 13. Kids grab the two numbers before reading the question and answer something nobody asked. Cover the numbers on the first read, so the story has to come first.

Common questions about addition word problems

What changes in 2nd grade addition word problems?: The numbers. Stories still take one step, but the amounts go two-digit, so your child adds with regrouping inside a story instead of a bare column. The problem types follow 2.OA.A.1.
Does the answer key show the work?: Yes. Each answer comes with its solution path, like 36 + 27 = 63, so you can see at a glance where a wrong answer went off track.

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Aligned to Common Core 2.OA.A.1, 2.NBT.B.5. Reviewed by the One more sheet team. Content version 240, updated September 2026.

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