Kindergarten Math · Adding and Subtracting Within 5
Subtraction within 5 Worksheets
Fresh practice, ready to print. Answer key included.
Differences from numbers up to 5, such as 5 − 2 and 4 − 3.
Make it yours
Or start with a ready-made version.
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.
- Subtraction within 5 Worksheets, version 1Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
- Subtraction within 5 Worksheets, version 2Worksheet PDFAnswer key PDF
- Subtraction 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.