How it works
These subtraction coloring sheets hide a picture in an 8 by 8 grid of facts within 10, from 2 − 1 to 10 − 1. Choose within 20, 50 or 100, or 12 by 12 for 144 problems.
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Answers from 1 to 9, never 0
On color by subtraction worksheets every fact takes away at least 1 and leaves at least 1, so within 10 there are 45 facts with answers from 1 to 9. Nine facts equal 1; only 10 − 1 equals 9. White squares take answers too: at 8 by 8 a 5-crayon grid uses 6 of the 9, and a 12 by 12 grid uses all 9.
Subtraction coloring worksheets by grade
Common Core expects fluent subtraction within 10 in Grade 1, and within 20 and within 100 in Grade 2. Its Grade 1 example solves 10 − 8 by finding what makes 10 when added to 8. Within 100 brings problems such as 91 − 66, written across, with no column to regroup in.
- Grids 1 to 3 need 3 crayons, grids 4 to 6 need 4, and grids 7 and 8 need 5.
- Grid 1: 22 white squares at 8 by 8. Untick Problems in the white squares too and 42 problems remain.
- At 12 by 12 one within-10 fact can appear 5 times. Within 20, with 190 facts, cuts that to 3.
Questions and answers
Is a colour by subtraction worksheet any different?
No. Colour is the British spelling, and subtraction colouring worksheets are the same sheets. They print on A4 as well as Letter. The instruction line and the key use American spelling, so a pupil will read color and gray.
Where is the answer key?
It starts switched off, because it shows the finished picture and names it. Tick Answer key on page 2 under More options before you press Print this sheet.
Can kindergartners do these subtract and color worksheets?
Common Core has kindergartners subtract within 10 with objects or drawings and asks for fluency only within 5. No level here is that small. For counters to cross out, the ten frame worksheets have a sheet type named Cross out from the last counter.