Free printable practice
Subtraction Practice Activities
Printable subtraction worksheets for Nursery, LKG and UKG children to practise taking away with objects, pictures, number lines and sums within 20.
Explore Subtraction
Practice that builds confidence
Building the idea of take away
These subtraction practice activities help Nursery, LKG and UKG children understand taking away in a concrete, visual way. Children practise subtracting objects, crossing out pictures, drawing to show what is left, using number lines, and solving simple subtraction word problems.
The printable worksheets move from subtract within 5 and single-digit subtraction to 1-digit subtraction within 20 and vertical subtraction without borrowing. Activities include picture-based sums, add-subtract object practice, vertical format sums, and early word problems that connect maths to everyday situations.
Young children first need to see subtraction before they write it. Worksheets such as subtract objects, subtract using pictures, subtract cross out, and subtract draw show a starting group, an amount taken away, and the number left. For example, a child may cross out 2 mangoes from 5 and count 3 remaining. This links the words take away, left, less, and minus to a visible action.
Progression within 5, 10 and 20
The collection begins with small totals in subtract within 5 and single-digit subtraction, then extends to subtract 1 digit within 20 and subtract within 20 no borrow. Children also meet vertical subtraction within 20, with and without regrouping language kept simple because these pages focus on no borrowing. Number line subtraction supports counting back, while picture sums keep the work meaningful for early learners.
A simple parent routine
At home, start with real objects such as buttons, crayons, or small toys. Say, “There are 6 crayons. We take away 2. How many are left?” Let the child move the objects, then match the action to one worksheet question. After a few picture problems, try one number line or vertical sum. End by asking the child to explain the answer in a full sentence: “6 minus 2 is 4.”
Classroom use for teachers
Teachers can use these pages for maths practice after a demonstration, small-group support, or independent table work. Picture subtraction is useful for Nursery and LKG readiness, while UKG children can practise vertical within 20 and simple word problems. Mixed add-subtract object pictures help children attend carefully to the sign before solving.
Common errors to watch for
Some children count the crossed-out objects instead of the objects left. Others start counting back from the number after the whole, or confuse plus and minus in mixed activities. In vertical sums, digits may be written out of line. Encourage children to point to the whole, the taken-away part, and the remaining part before writing the answer.
Free printable PDF download
Use this subtraction worksheets for nursery lkg ukg page to preview the activity, print it, or download it as a PDF for quick practice. It works well for homework, homeschool lessons, tutoring, morning work, revision, and classroom centers.
Answers and answer key support
After the child completes the worksheet independently, parents and teachers can use the answer support or answer key information to check the work, review mistakes, and choose the next practice step.
Why iBloom worksheets help
The pages are varied but carefully connected, so children do not jump straight to abstract sums. A child-friendly strategy is: look at the whole, take away or count back, then check what is left. This routine works across pictures, objects, number lines, vertical subtraction, and simple story problems.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
What subtraction skills are covered in these Nursery, LKG and UKG worksheets?
They cover subtracting objects, crossing out pictures, drawing to show subtraction, number line subtraction, single-digit subtraction, vertical subtraction within 20 without borrowing, and simple subtraction word problems.
Are these worksheets suitable for children who are just beginning subtraction?
Yes. Children can start with subtract within 5 and picture-based take-away activities before moving to number sentences, number lines, and vertical sums.
How can I help my child understand subtraction at home?
Use real objects first. Make a small group, remove some items, count what is left, and then show the same idea on a worksheet with a minus sign.
Do these worksheets include subtraction with borrowing?
The listed activities focus on early subtraction within 20 and no-borrow practice, including vertical subtraction where children subtract without regrouping.
Why are picture subtraction and cross-out activities important?
They help young children see that subtraction means taking away from a whole group and counting the objects that remain, instead of memorising answers only.
Is this subtraction worksheets for nursery lkg ukg free?
Yes. You can preview it for free and use the printable worksheet for home or classroom practice.
Can I download this subtraction worksheets for nursery lkg ukg as a PDF?
Yes. Use the worksheet download option to save a printable PDF, or print the worksheet directly from the page.
Does this subtraction worksheets for nursery lkg ukg include answers or an answer key?
When the activity has fixed answers, iBloom includes answer support so parents and teachers can check the completed worksheet.