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Grade 2 Subtraction Stories Worksheets

One-step stories where some of an amount is taken away.

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 word problems skills, see all word problems worksheets.

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Word Problems · Grade 2

Grade
Topic
SkillEach skill is a different kind of question, with its own levels.
Level
Questions
6

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Grade 2 · 3 pages · A4

Word Problems Practice

Grade 2 • Subtraction Stories • Borrowing across a ten
Name:Date:

Read each problem. Show your work, then write the answer.

  1. 1) Eli had 35 blocks but lost 18 blocks on the way home. How many blocks are left?
    Answer:
  1. 2) Ben had 73 pencils and gave 29 pencils to Chen. How many pencils are left?
    Answer:
  1. 3) Rania had 43 balloons but lost 24 balloons on the way home. How many balloons are left?
    Answer:
  1. 4) Tara had 66 crayons but lost 39 crayons on the way home. How many crayons are left?
    Answer:
  1. 5) Kiran had 67 pencils and gave 39 pencils to Yusuf. How many pencils are left?
    Answer:
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Page 1 of 3

Read each problem. Show your work, then write the answer. (continued)

  1. 6) Zain had 37 blocks and gave 19 blocks to Dalia. How many blocks are left?
    Answer:
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Page 2 of 3

Answer Key

  1. 1. 17 blocks
  2. 2. 44 pencils
  3. 3. 19 balloons
  4. 4. 27 crayons
  1. 5. 28 pencils
  2. 6. 18 blocks
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Page 3 of 3

What each level generates

Grade 2 subtraction stories — the exact skill behind each difficulty setting, straight from the generator.

  1. Level 1Take away, no borrowing
  2. Level 2Borrowing across a ten
  3. Level 3The starting amount is missing

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 word problems skills

Each one generates a different kind of question, with its own three levels and answer key.

Frequently asked questions

▸What word problems should a Grade 2 student handle?

One- and two-step addition and subtraction stories with numbers up to 100, including comparison problems and stories where the unknown isn't the final result. Addition Stories, Subtraction Stories, Comparison Stories and Two-Step Stories between them match that expectation.

▸How do I know when to move on to Two-Step Stories?

When your child solves a full Addition Stories or Subtraction Stories sheet independently and can explain the operation they chose. Save Two-Step Stories for when Comparison Stories no longer cause add/subtract mix-ups.

▸Can I print the same worksheet for a re-test?

Yes. The web address stores your exact worksheet — bookmark or share the link and it reproduces the identical stories and answer key, which makes re-tests genuinely comparable.

▸Why does my child pick the wrong operation?

Usually from keyword-hunting — seeing "more" and adding automatically. Have them underline the question and say what is happening in the story before choosing an operation; that beats keyword rules.

▸What paper size do the sheets print on?

Choose A4 or US Letter in the controls. The preview and the downloaded PDF both reflow to exactly the paper you pick, so nothing gets clipped.