Free printable practice
Subtract Within 20 No Borrow Practice Activities
Printable UKG subtraction worksheets for taking away numbers within 20 without borrowing or regrouping.
Practice that builds confidence
What “no borrow” means
These subtraction within 20 no borrow worksheets help Nursery, LKG and UKG children practise simple take-away sums where regrouping is not needed. Children work with small numbers, teen numbers, and clear equations that build early maths confidence.
The printable activities include picture-based subtraction, number line practice, cross-out tasks, horizontal sums, and vertical sums. Each sheet keeps the focus on understanding “how many are left” before moving towards faster written subtraction.
In these worksheets, children subtract within 20 without needing to borrow from the tens place. For example, 18 − 5 can be solved by taking 5 from the ones because 8 ones are enough. This makes the skill suitable for early learners who are still building number sense, counting back, and place value awareness.
How the practice progresses
The activities move from concrete to written work. Children may begin by crossing out objects, then use number lines to count back, and finally solve neat number sentences such as 9 − 3, 14 − 2, or 17 − 6. Vertical sums help children see that the ones digit is subtracted from the ones digit, while horizontal sums strengthen reading of the minus sign and equals sign.
A simple routine for parents
At home, start with real objects such as buttons, crayons, or rajma beans. Say, “You have 12 crayons. Put away 4. How many are left?” Let your child move the objects, then write 12 − 4 = 8. After one or two hands-on examples, use a worksheet page. Ask your child to say the full sentence aloud: “Twelve minus four equals eight.” This links action, language, and symbols.
Classroom use for teachers
Teachers can use these pages during maths practice, small-group support, or early finisher work. Picture problems are useful for children who still need visual support, while equation-only rows can be used for fluency practice. A teacher may also place one sheet in a subtraction centre with counters, number cards, and a number line up to 20.
Common errors to watch for
Some children add instead of subtracting, especially when they rush. Others count the starting number as the first step when counting back, giving an answer that is one too high. In vertical sums, a child may subtract the smaller digit from the bigger digit without noticing position. Encourage slow checking with fingers, objects, or a number line.
Free printable PDF download
Use this subtract within 20 no borrow worksheet 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 iBloom worksheets keep the number range focused within 20 and avoid borrowing, so children can master one idea at a time. A child-friendly strategy is: read the first number, show that many, take away the second number, then count what is left. This builds accuracy before speed.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
What is subtraction within 20 without borrowing?
It means children subtract numbers up to 20 where they do not need to regroup or borrow from the tens place, such as 16 − 4 or 19 − 7.
Is this suitable for Nursery, LKG and UKG children?
Yes. Younger children can use the picture and cross-out activities, while UKG children can practise number lines, horizontal sums, and vertical subtraction within 20.
Should my child use fingers or objects for these worksheets?
Yes, using fingers, counters, crayons, or beans is helpful at this stage. The goal is to understand taking away before expecting mental answers.
How can I explain no borrowing to a young child?
Say, “There are enough ones to take away, so we do not need to change the ten.” Use an example like 18 − 5, where 8 ones can easily give away 5.
What should I do if my child keeps adding instead of subtracting?
Ask your child to point to the minus sign, say “take away,” and physically remove or cross out the second number. This connects the symbol with the action.
Is this subtract within 20 no borrow worksheet free?
Yes. You can preview it for free and use the printable worksheet for home or classroom practice.
Can I download this subtract within 20 no borrow worksheet as a PDF?
Yes. Use the worksheet download option to save a printable PDF, or print the worksheet directly from the page.
Does this subtract within 20 no borrow worksheet 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.