ClassReady

1st Grade · Math

1st Grade Word Problems Worksheets

Word problems turn math facts into stories students have to decode. These free printable 1st grade word problems worksheets practice addition and subtraction within 20 in context — adding more, taking away, comparing, and putting together — with space to draw, use ten-frames, and write the equation. Every worksheet includes a printable answer key and easy, standard, and challenge versions for differentiation.

Reviewed by ClassReady Editorial Team Last updated August 2026

Before this skill

  • Addition and subtraction facts to 10
  • Reading simple sentences
  • Counting to 20

Common mistakes to watch for

  • Grabbing numbers from the story without reading the question
  • Always adding because it 'sounds' like an addition story
  • Forgetting the unit (apples, cars, stickers) in the answer
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Related Skills

Addition Comparing Numbers Counting Data & Graphs Fact Families Fractions Geometry Measurement Money Place Value Skip Counting Subtraction Telling Time

Frequently Asked Questions

What word problem skills do 1st graders learn?

First graders solve word problems that call for adding to, taking from, putting together, taking apart, and comparing, using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown.

How can I help my child approach a word problem?

Read it aloud, underline what is being asked, act it out with counters or a drawing, then write the equation. The picture and the equation should match.

Are these word problem worksheets free and printable?

Yes. Every worksheet is a free, printable PDF with an answer key, and no sign-up is required.