3rd Grade 3rd Grade Addition & Subtraction Word Problems
Solve real-life addition and subtraction problems with numbers up to 1,000.
- Homework
- Review
- Test Prep
- Centers
Download the Free Printable PDF
No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 3rd Grade
- Subject
- Math
- Skill
- Word Problems
- Topic
- addition and subtraction word problems within 1,000
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 18 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, review, test prep, centers
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will solve one-step addition and subtraction word problems within 1,000.
- Deciding whether to add or subtract
- Adding and subtracting within 1,000
- Labeling the answer
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Read each problem. Write the equation, then the answer with its label.
Worked example
A store had 250 books and sold 130. How many are left? 250 - 130 = 120 books.
Sample questions
- A library had 462 books. It added 215 more. How many books now?
- There were 540 tickets. 375 were sold. How many tickets are left?
- A school has 318 boys and 296 girls. How many students in all?
The PDF contains 6 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
Choosing the right operation
By third grade, word problems use bigger numbers (up to 1,000), so the focus shifts to choosing the right operation. Combining amounts means add; finding how many are left or how many more means subtract.
How to use it
Have students underline the question and decide the operation before computing. Builds toward two-step word problems.
👩🏫 Teacher note
Have students underline the question and circle the numbers, then decide: are we combining (add) or finding a difference / what's left (subtract)?
🏠 Parent note
Ask 'Are we putting amounts together or finding how many more / how many are left?'
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Choosing the wrong operation
- Forgetting to regroup
Answer Key
The equation and labeled answer are given for each problem.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Related Worksheets
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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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