Three-Digit Subtraction Worksheets

Using this page

Three-digit subtraction such as 524 − 268, with trading in the tens, the hundreds or both. Grade 3 in the Common Core expects fluent subtraction within 1000. Questions with a zero in the top number, like 503 − 247, are the trickiest, and they turn up on these sheets too. Suits around Year 3 and Year 4 in Australia and Grade 3 in the US (Common Core 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

524 − 268. Ones: 4 − 8 needs a trade, so 2 tens 4 ones becomes 1 ten 14 ones; 14 − 8 = 6. Tens: 1 − 6 needs a trade, so 5 hundreds 1 ten becomes 4 hundreds 11 tens; 11 − 6 = 5. Hundreds: 4 − 2 = 2. So 524 − 268 = 256.

Common mistakes

With a zero in the tens, as in 503 − 247, trying to trade from the zero. Trade from the hundreds first: 5 hundreds becomes 4 hundreds and 10 tens, then trade one of those tens.

Not checking. 256 + 268 should give 524.

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

Why are zeros in the top number so hard?
You cannot trade from a zero, so you have to go one column further left first. Practise a few on their own before mixed sheets.

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.