Grade 2 Subtraction Stories Worksheets
Take-away word problems where a different part of the story is missing each time.
Every sheet below is generated fresh with a matching answer key. Pick one of the three levels, preview it, and print or download the PDF — no account, no watermark. For the other grade 2 subtraction skills, see all subtraction worksheets.
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Subtraction · Grade 2
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Grade 2 · 4 pages · A4What each level generates
Grade 2 subtraction stories — the exact skill behind each difficulty setting, straight from the generator.
- Level 1How many are left
- Level 2How many were given away
- Level 3How many at the start
Grade levels follow the progression common to most English-language curricula — not one specific national curriculum. Every level shows exactly what it generates, so you can check the fit with your own program. See the full scope & sequence →
More Grade 2 subtraction skills
Each one generates a different kind of question, with its own three levels and answer key.
- Subtract Without RegroupingColumn subtraction where every digit on top is big enough — no borrowing needed.
- Subtract With RegroupingColumn subtraction where you have to borrow from the next place along.
- Missing NumberFill in the number that makes the subtraction true, wherever the gap is.
- Ten LessMental jumps: counting back in tens and taking away whole tens.
- Counting Up to SubtractFill in the jump: counting up from the smaller number instead of taking away.
- How Many MoreComparing two amounts and finding the difference between them.
Frequently asked questions
▸When is borrowing (regrouping) taught?
Typically in Grade 2, after column subtraction without borrowing is comfortable. Most curricula expect subtraction within 100 with regrouping by the end of the year.
▸Can I choose problems without borrowing?
Yes — that's exactly what the two skills are for. Subtract Without Regrouping keeps every problem borrow-free for the early weeks; Subtract With Regrouping generates problems that require the borrow. Each has its own page, so there is no slider position to hunt for.
▸What is the most common Grade 2 subtraction mistake?
Subtracting the smaller digit from the larger one regardless of position (turning 52 − 38 into 26). It means place value needs revisiting — a few problems with base-ten drawings usually fixes it.
▸What paper sizes do these worksheets print on?
Choose A4 or US Letter in the controls. The preview and the downloaded PDF both match the paper size you pick, so nothing gets clipped.
▸Can I get a fresh set of problems with the same settings?
Press Shuffle. Same grade, skill, level and question count — brand-new problems, each set with its own shareable link.