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Addition and subtractionGrade 2

3-digit subtraction without regrouping worksheets

Three-digit subtraction problems are generated so each digit of the top number is at least as large as the digit below it. That means no borrowing at all. Pick stacked or horizontal layout and 6 to 40 problems, with an answer key.

By Paul Gunder. Free to print for home, classroom and office use; see how our printables are made.

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  • Answer key on its own page
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Set up your sheet

Settings
1 to 6
1 to 5
Regrouping (carrying and borrowing)
Layout
6 to 40
Paper
Paper size

Tip: press N for new problems. The link always brings this exact sheet back.

3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping2 pages, answer key from page 2 · US Letter

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NameDateScore3-Digit Subtraction Without RegroupingSubtract. Start with the ones column.1.481260−2.759334−3.629507−4.371231−5.281260−6.890600−7.618207−8.356256−9.966325−10.612112−11.998118−12.395342−13.680310−14.945124−15.337112−16.216202−17.474263−18.815503−19.459441−20.876470−PrintablePal.com · free printables3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping
Worksheet, page 1
3-Digit Subtraction Without Regrouping: answer key1.481260−2212.759334−4253.629507−1224.371231−1405.281260−216.890600−2907.618207−4118.356256−1009.966325−64110.612112−50011.998118−88012.395342−5313.680310−37014.945124−82115.337112−22516.216202−1417.474263−21118.815503−31219.459441−1820.876470−406PrintablePal.com · free printablesAnswer key
Answer key, page 1

On this page

Three places, no trading

Hundreds are a big step for a young mathematician. A child has to track three columns and keep the place values straight, and it helps to do that before borrowing is added. This page makes a set of problems in which no column ever needs a trade: in 748 − 325, 8 ≥ 5, 4 ≥ 2 and 7 ≥ 3.

The sheets fit second graders meeting numbers within 1000 for the first time, and also older students who need to rebuild the column routine after a gap. The sheet title and instructions say it directly: subtract, starting with the ones column.

Settings that matter

  • Operation. Subtraction.
  • Digits in the first and second number. The preset is 3 and 3. Setting the second number to 2 gives problems like 764 − 52, which tests whether the child keeps the hundreds digit aligned when the bottom number is shorter.
  • Regrouping (carrying and borrowing). The preset is "No regrouping". Change to "Mixed" or "Always regroup" when you are ready to add borrowing; the settings are the same, so one page can serve both stages.
  • Layout. Vertical (stacked) is the preset and the clearest. Horizontal is a fine challenge afterwards.
  • Number of problems. 6 to 40; twenty fits well.
  • Include the answer key. The key shows each difference so you can check quickly.

When both numbers have three digits, the leading digit of the bottom number is at least 1, so every problem really is a three-digit subtraction rather than a disguised two-digit one.

Worked example: 864 − 521

Line up 864 over 521 so hundreds sit above hundreds.

  1. Ones. 4 − 1 = 3.
  2. Tens. 6 − 2 = 4.
  3. Hundreds. 8 − 5 = 3.
  4. Read the digits from left to right: 343.
  5. Check with addition: 343 + 521. Ones: 3 + 1 = 4. Tens: 4 + 2 = 6. Hundreds: 3 + 5 = 8. That is 864, the starting number.

Ask the child to say the answer in words: three hundred forty-three. Naming the place values aloud ties the algorithm to the idea underneath.

Reading the answer key

  • Digits in the wrong column. If the answer to 864 − 521 comes out as 34 or 3,430, the child has lost the alignment. Squared paper or a ruled line down the page can help.
  • Adding instead of subtracting. A tired child may add the digits in a column, which gives a number larger than the one they started with. Ask whether a difference can ever beat the top number.
  • Ignoring the hundreds. Some children stop after two columns. Ask them to read the problem aloud before writing.
  • Zeros in the answer. When a column subtracts to 0, as in 750 − 230 = 520, the child must still write the zero in the ones.

When this is easy, go to 2-digit subtraction with borrowing for a look back, or try a sheet that mixes plus and minus signs with the signs mixed.

Sources

  1. Common Core State Standards: Grade 2 Number and Operations in Base Ten (2.NBT.B.7, add and subtract within 1000) thecorestandards.org