2nd Grade Subtraction Word Problems Within 100 Worksheet
Solve subtraction word problems within 100 — both take-away and 'how many more' comparisons.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Intervention
Download the Free Printable PDF
No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 2nd Grade
- Subject
- Math
- Skill
- Word Problems
- Topic
- subtraction word problems within 100
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, intervention
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will solve one-step subtraction word problems within 100, including take-away and comparison types.
- Recognizing subtraction situations
- Subtracting within 100
- Solving comparison ('how many more') problems
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Read each problem. Write a subtraction sentence, solve, and label your answer.
Worked example
There were 52 apples and 18 were eaten: 52 - 18 = 34 apples.
Sample questions
- There were 52 apples. 18 were eaten. How many are left?
- A class had 30 books and gave away 12. How many are left?
- Sam had 45 marbles and lost 17. How many does he have now?
The PDF contains 6 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
Two kinds of subtraction stories
Subtraction word problems come in two flavors: take-away (something is removed) and comparison (how many more or fewer). Both are solved by subtracting — and seeing that “how many more” is also subtraction is a key insight for second graders.
How to use it
Have students decide if something is being taken away or compared, then subtract the smaller number from the larger and label the answer. The challenge includes a comparison and a two-step problem. Builds on the everyday addition & subtraction word problems.
👩🏫 Teacher note
Two subtraction types appear: take-away (something is removed) and comparison (how many more/fewer). Both use subtraction — help students see that comparing is also subtracting.
🏠 Parent note
If something is taken away or you are finding a difference, subtract the smaller number from the larger.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Adding instead of subtracting
- Subtracting the larger number from the smaller out of order
Answer Key
Each answer shows the number sentence and the labeled result.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Learn this skill first
Take the free lesson on word problems — worked examples and practice exercises, then come back to this worksheet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Does it come with an answer key?
Yes — a complete answer key is included.
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