Kindergarten Adding and Subtracting Within 5 Worksheets
Fresh practice, ready to print. Answer key included.
Kindergarten fluency with sums and differences within 5, the facts children are expected to answer quickly and correctly. Adding zero and subtracting zero are left off so the page is spent on facts that need a count.
Make it yours
Or start with a ready-made version.
What's on the worksheet
- Addition within 5
Sums of two numbers that make 5 or less, such as 2 + 3 and 4 + 1.
- Subtraction within 5
Differences from numbers up to 5, such as 5 − 2 and 4 − 3.
- Mixed practice
Addition and subtraction together, so children have to read the sign.
How it works: a quick refresher
The rules this worksheet practices, then one problem worked from start to finish.
| Strategy | How it works |
|---|---|
| Count on | Start at the first number and count on: 3 + 2 is 4, 5. |
| Count back | To take away 1 or 2, count back: 5 − 2 is 4, 3. |
| Use your fingers | Hold up the starting number, then add or fold down the rest. |
| Think of the pair | For 5 − 2, ask what number goes with 2 to make 5. The answer is 3. |
| The facts are few | There are only 10 of each kind within 5. A page repeats them so they stick. |
Worked example
Find 3 + 2.
- 1Start at 3.
- 2Count on 2 more: 4, 5.
- 33 + 2 = 5.
Ready-made versions
Three fixed versions you can link to or share. Each is a PDF with its own answer key.
- Kindergarten Adding and Subtracting Within 5 Worksheets, version 1Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
- Kindergarten Adding and Subtracting Within 5 Worksheets, version 2Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
- Kindergarten Adding and Subtracting Within 5 Worksheets, version 3Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
Grade level and standard
Written for kindergarten math (operations) and aligned to CCSS K.OA.A.5. It also works as review in later grades.
Common questions
- Is there an answer key?
- Yes. Every worksheet has a matching answer key with each answer worked on the same grid or layout as the question. The worksheet ID printed at the bottom of each page pairs a sheet with its key.
- Why are there no + 0 problems?
- Adding or subtracting zero does not change the number, so it is one rule rather than a fact to practice. These sheets use the space for 1 through 5.
- My child still counts every object. Is that all right?
- Yes. At this age, counting objects or fingers is the strategy. Speed comes after the count is always right.
- How many different versions are there?
- About a million per skill. Each time you press the button the problems are generated fresh, so you can print a different version for every student, a retake, or another night of practice.
- Are the worksheets free?
- Yes. They are free to print and copy for your home or classroom, with no sign-up.