3-Digit Subtraction Worksheets

Print a page for a fifteen minute session, either as homework or a classroom station. Remind the child to line up the columns and start from the ones place on the right. Use the borrowing control to match the child's stage, and fix misses with the answer key. A helpful check is to add the answer to the bottom number and see if the top number returns. Five versions let a class practice together without sharing answers.

Subtracting three-digit numbers means working column by column, and borrowing happens when the top digit is smaller than the bottom one. The hard cases are zeros in the middle or on top, such as a number with zeros on top, where the child has to borrow across two places. Typical slips are subtracting the smaller digit from the larger regardless of position. It follows two-digit subtraction and leads to numbers into the thousands.

Use the Borrowing control to match the learner: None for a first week to build column habits, Mixed for typical practice, and Every problem for children who need extra reps with regrouping. Stacked layout is standard, while In a row asks for more mental work. Missing number mode asks what was taken away. Start with 12 problems if a child tires easily and move up to 20 or 30.

What does the Borrowing setting do?

It controls how often regrouping appears. None keeps every column simple, Mixed blends easy and borrowing problems, and Every problem forces regrouping in each one. Choose by what the child needs to practice.

Why do zeros in the middle cause so many errors?

The child has to borrow from a place that has nothing to give, so they must reach one place further. Practice these in a short separate round with place value blocks or drawings.

How can my child check a subtraction answer?

Add the answer to the number that was subtracted. The total should match the top number. It takes a few seconds and catches most borrowing slips, so teach it early.