Class 1 Maths: Subtraction up to 20

How this worksheet helps your child

• Builds confidence in core Mathematics concepts taught in Class 1 through repeated, varied practice.
• Aligned to CBSE and NCERT — questions mirror the pattern children see in school tests and unit assessments.
• Comes with an answer key so parents and students can self-check in minutes, without needing a teacher.
• Pitched at medium level — use it for daily homework, weekend revision or quick exam warm-ups.

About this worksheet

Help your child build a strong foundation in mathematics with our Class 1 Maths Subtraction Practice Worksheet! This engaging resource is specifically designed for young learners in Class 1 following the CBSE curriculum, focusing on subtraction problems with numbers up to 20. Mastering subtraction at this early stage is crucial as it lays the groundwork for more advanced mathematical concepts. This worksheet is perfect for students who are just beginning to understand the idea of 'taking away' and need guided practice to reinforce their learning. It's an excellent tool for parents looking to support their child's maths education at home, or for teachers seeking supplementary materials that align with NCERT guidelines. Through clear and simple exercises, children will gain confidence in performing basic subtraction, an essential life skill. This practice sheet helps students not only solve problems but also develop a deeper understanding of number relationships, making maths an enjoyable and accessible subject.

What your child will learn

• Practice subtracting single-digit numbers from numbers up to 20.
• Solve subtraction problems accurately using various methods.
• Understand the concept of 'taking away' or finding the difference between two numbers.
• Develop fluency in basic subtraction facts up to 20.
• Apply subtraction skills to simple real-life scenarios.

Understanding the concept

Subtraction is a fundamental concept in mathematics that means taking one number away from another number. When we subtract, we are finding out how many are left, or the difference between two numbers. For example, if you have 5 apples and you eat 2 of them, you are left with 3 apples. This 'taking away' is what subtraction is all about. In Class 1, children are introduced to subtraction using numbers that are usually less than 20. They often start by using objects like fingers, counting beads, or drawing pictures to help them visualise the process. For instance, to solve '10 - 3', a child might count out 10 objects, then remove 3 of them and count the remaining objects to find the answer, which is 7. As they practice, they gradually move from relying on physical objects to understanding the number relationships in their minds. The goal is for children to become comfortable with basic subtraction facts, allowing them to solve problems more quickly and accurately without needing to count each time. This worksheet provides opportunities for children to strengthen this understanding and build their mental math abilities for subtraction up to 20.

Tips for parents & teachers

• Encourage your child to use fingers or small objects like beads or buttons to visualise the subtraction problems.
• Read the problems aloud with your child to ensure they understand what is being asked.
• Break down more complex problems into smaller, manageable steps if your child is struggling.
• Celebrate small successes and provide positive reinforcement to build confidence.
• Turn subtraction practice into a fun game, like 'taking away' toys or snacks.

Topics covered

How to use this worksheet at home

Open the print view and use your browser's Print dialog to print on regular A4 paper or save as a PDF. Hand the printed sheet to your child (Class 1) and set a relaxed time limit — 15 to 25 minutes works for most Mathematics worksheets. When they're done, open the "With answer key" view and let them self-mark question by question. Re-print as many times as you need; the file never expires and there's no download limit.

Frequently asked questions

Is this Mathematics worksheet really free?

Yes — every workbook on WorkbookWala is 100% free to download and print. No login, no email, no paywall. We're free for students, parents and teachers.

Is it aligned to the CBSE / NCERT syllabus?

Yes. All Class 1 worksheets are built around the CBSE and NCERT pattern so they map cleanly to what your child is studying in school.

Can I print this worksheet at home?

Yes. Click "Open print view" and use your browser's Print dialog to print on standard A4 paper, or save it as a PDF for later. The layout is designed to fit cleanly without scaling.

Does it include an answer key?

Yes — click "With answer key" to print a version with answers included, so parents and students can self-mark in minutes.