Subtract 4-digit numbers
2 printable PDFs, each with its answer key. These sheets practice subtracting 4-digit numbers in columns, regrouping wherever a column runs short.
Sheet 1
Sheet 2
What's on the sheet
12 problems written in columns, with room to work, on US Letter paper, with a box for the score. Some from sheet 1:
- 7938 − 1753 = 6185
- 5045 − 4640 = 405
- 8265 − 6547 = 1718
- 5594 − 2087 = 3507
Helping at home
In 4th grade, children use the standard way of subtracting in columns for any whole numbers. In 6,254 − 3,879 they regroup in the ones, the tens and the hundreds, working right to left, and the difference is 2,375.
The usual slips are losing track of a regrouped digit after several trades in a row, and subtracting the smaller digit from the larger one in a column instead of regrouping. Zeros in the top number, like 5,003, need a chain of trades and catch many children out.
One way to help at home: estimate first. 6,254 − 3,879 is about 6,300 − 3,900, which is 2,400. Then check the exact answer by adding: 2,375 + 3,879 should make 6,254. Neat columns matter, so lined or graph paper can help with the working.
Practice the same skill as a game
In larkit, your child plays this skill on screen, with a second try and a hint when a problem is hard. Free to try, no ads.
Play it freeWant more sheets?
The free sheets above need no email. If you'd like extras, we can send them.
Common Core: 4.NBT.B.4