Mixed Addition and Subtraction Worksheets

Using this page

Addition and subtraction mixed on one sheet, within 10, 20, 50, 100 or 1000. Mixing the signs makes children read each question carefully instead of doing the same thing twenty times, and it shows whether they really know when to add and when to take away. Choose the range to suit the child. Suits around Year 1 to Year 3 in Australia and Grades 1 to 3 in the US (Common Core 1.OA.C.6, 2.NBT.B.5 and 3.NBT.A.2), but use whatever level fits the child.

Tips

• Keep sessions short: one sheet of 10 to 20 questions a day beats a long session once a week.
• Mark the sheet together with the answer key and talk about the mistakes; each one shows what to practise next.
• Move to the next sheet when a child gets almost every question right without counting on fingers.
• Where it is offered, use the column layout for written methods and the across layout for mental strategies.

Worked example

Within 100: 64 − 27 and 38 + 45. For 64 − 27, take 20 to get 44, then 7 more to get 37. For 38 + 45, add 40 to get 78, then 5 more to get 83. Different questions on the same sheet need different steps.

Common mistakes

Doing every question as addition after the first few. Ask children to circle each sign before they start.

Getting a bigger answer than the starting number in a subtraction. A quick check catches it: taking away makes a number smaller.

How to use this generator

Choose the options above the sheet: the number of questions and the settings for this kind of worksheet. Every change makes a new sheet straight away, and New worksheet gives a different set of questions with the same settings.

Each sheet has a worksheet number printed at the top. Type the same number later, or keep the page link, to print exactly the same questions and answer key again. Leave Answer key page ticked to print the answers on a second page, then press Print. Every printed page carries the makekite logo and web address.

Common questions

Which range should I choose?
Pick the range where most answers come easily but a few need thought. Within 10 suits beginners; within 100 suits Year 2 and Year 3.

How many questions should a child do?
Ten to twenty is plenty for daily practice. The 100-question drill sheet is for short timed practice once or twice a week.

Can I print the same worksheet again?
Yes. Note the worksheet number printed at the top, or keep the link in your browser's address bar, which ends with that number. Entering it later gives the same questions and answers.

Is it free?
Yes. There is no sign-up, and nothing you choose is sent anywhere: the sheets are made in your browser.