Subtraction Games for Kids
Friendly subtraction games that start with crossing out pictures and build up to three-digit numbers. Answers are never negative, every question is read aloud, and you can mix in addition for full addition and subtraction games.
How to play Subtraction Games for Kids
- Pick a grade: Kindergarten takes away within 10 with pictures, Grade 1 practices facts within 20, Grade 2 subtracts two-digit numbers and Grade 3 three-digit numbers.
- Keep Subtraction selected, or choose Both to mix in adding.
- Answer by picking one of four big buttons, typing on the number pad, or solving a missing number question such as 12 − ? = 5.
- Right answers earn a star. After a miss, the full fact is shown, then press Next.
- Earn up to three stars per round. Your best is saved for each setup, and an unfinished round picks up where you left off.
Controls
- Tap or click an answer button, or press 1–4 on a keyboard.
- In Type the answer mode use the on-screen number pad or your keyboard digits; Enter checks, Backspace deletes.
- Press 🔊 to hear the question again. Use Read aloud in the toolbar to mute or unmute the voice.
- After a miss, press Next (or Enter) when you are ready to go on.
Tips
- Think addition: 13 − 8 asks “8 plus what makes 13?” The answer is 5.
- Count up from the smaller number to the bigger one to find the difference.
- For 52 − 27, take away 30 to get 22, then add back the extra 3: 25.
- Check an answer by adding it back: if 15 − 6 = 9, then 9 + 6 should be 15.
FAQ
How do subtraction games help kids?
They turn fact practice into quick rounds with stars and instant feedback, so kids get many repetitions without worksheets.
Will my child see negative numbers?
No. Every subtraction question takes a smaller number from a bigger one, so the answer is always zero or more.
When should kids learn subtraction with regrouping?
Usually in second grade. The Grade 2 and Grade 3 levels include questions that need borrowing as well as ones that do not.
Is there an addition version?
Yes. Choose Addition on this page or visit the addition games page.