Designed by Demi
Edited by Chris
This collection of free number line subtraction worksheets includes a range of fun activities and challenges to keep students engaged in their learning.
Subtraction on number lines is usually introduced in Kindergarten, Grade 1, and Grade 2 in the following sequence:
- Kindergarten: numbers less than 10.
- Grade 1: numbers less than 20
- Grade 2: numbers less than 100.
We have included several worksheets for each grade level in this collection.
All the worksheets are designed to be printed onto A4 paper. Make sure you select the “shrink to fit” option when printing to avoid any cut-offs on your print.
Note that Kindergarten students might prefer item counting over number lines. For that purpose, I recommend visiting our additional touch counting worksheets on this website.
License and Terms of Use: All printables are provided for non-commercial personal and classroom use only, not for resale or distribution. All rights reserved.
Common Core© Aligned Learning Outcomes
These worksheets partially or fully address the following Common Core© learning outcomes:
Kindergarten Math
K.OA.A.2: Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem.
Grade 1 Math
1.OA.A.1: Use addition and subtraction within 20 to solve word problems involving situations of adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, with unknowns in all positions, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.
Grade 2 Math
2.MD.A.6: Represent whole numbers as lengths from 0 on a number line diagram with equally spaced points corresponding to the numbers 0, 1, 2, …, and represent whole-number sums and differences within 100 on a number line diagram.
Free Number Line Subtraction Worksheets
Designed by Demi
Grade: Kindergarten
Common Core Standard: K.OA.A.2
Difficulty: 🔥
This is likely the easiest number lines worksheet on our website, and the best one for kindergarten aged students.
Designed by Demi
Grade: Kindergarten – Grade 1
Common Core Standard: K.OA.A.2 – 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥
This word problem could be used for upper Kinder (with teacher or parental guidance) or Grade 1.
Designed by Demi
Grade: Kindergarten – Grade 1
Common Core Standard: K.OA.A.2 – 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥
For this version, students must identify the numbers on the number line then touch count their way down the number line. A good one for upper Kindergarten students.
Designed by Demi
Grade: Kindergarten – Grade 1
Common Core Standard: K.OA.A.2 – 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥
This word problem could be used for upper Kinder (with teacher or parental guidance) or Grade 1.
Designed by Demi
Grade: Kindergarten
Common Core Standard: K.OA.A.2
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥
This version is all about interpreting number lines. Completion of this worksheet demonstrates understanding of number lines and subtraction word problems.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 1
Common Core Standard: 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
This word problem could be used for upper Grade 1. Assistance may be required to read an intepret the word problems.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 1 – Grade 2
Common Core Standard: 1.OA.A.1 – 2.MD.A.6
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
While numbers less than 20 are ideal for Grade 1, repeated addition is a Grade 2 challenge, making this worksheet a good transition piece between the two grades.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 1
Common Core Standard: 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥
A fun one perfectly targeted at Grade 1, this worksheet involves completing the number line challenges before proceeding through the mazes to discover the treasure.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 1
Common Core Standard: 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥
An ideal middle Grade 1 style piece, students do basic subtraction within 20 using number lines.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 1
Common Core Standard: 1.OA.A.1
Difficulty: 🔥🔥
An ideal middle Grade 1 style piece, students must read and interpret the number lines then write out the subtraction sentences for subtraction within 20.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 2
Common Core Standard: 2.MD.A.6
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
A typical Grade 2 piece, this one requires students to not only understand number lines, but also draw-in the notches on the number lines!
Designed by Demi
Grade: 2
Common Core Standard: 2.MD.A.6
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥
Students interpret the number lines for subtraction under 100 and have to complete the provided subtraction sentences.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 2
Common Core Standard: 2.MD.A.6
Difficulty: 🔥🔥
An easy Grade 2 version, students are required to interpret the subtraction sentence and represent it on the number line to come up with an answer.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 2
Common Core Standard: 2.MD.A.6
Difficulty: 🔥🔥
Another of the easier Grade 2 versions, students have to count the distance between two points to complete the subtraction sentence.
Designed by Demi
Grade: 2
Common Core Standard: 2.MD.A.6
Difficulty: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
A great word problem interpretation task with a number line for scaffolding. Great for mastering word problems in preparation for standardized exams.
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NGA Center/CCSSO is hereby acknowledged as the sole owners and developers of the Common Core State Standards. Teach Prints makes no claims to the ownership of the Common Core State Standards.
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