Grade 1 Math · Subtraction Within 20

Grade 1 Subtraction Within 20 Practice Test

Build subtraction fluency with five 10-question practice tests covering counting back, missing numbers, differences, and simple word problems.

Subtraction Within 20 Practice Tests

These Grade 1 math practice tests help students subtract within 20 using counting back, related addition facts, breaking apart numbers, missing-number equations, and simple story problems. Each mini test contains 10 multiple-choice questions with answers and explanations.

Skills covered

  • Subtracting numbers within 10 and within 20
  • Counting back and finding differences
  • Using related addition facts to solve subtraction
  • Finding missing numbers in subtraction equations
  • Solving take-away and comparison word problems

How to use these practice tests

Complete one 10-question test at a time. Encourage students to draw counters, use a number line, or connect subtraction to an addition fact when a difference is difficult. Open the solution after answering, then explain the strategy before moving to the next test.

For more Grade 1 math practice, return to the Grade 1 Math category.

4. Test

Grade 1 Subtraction Within 20 Practice Tests

A 10-question Grade 1 practice test on subtraction within 20, with answers and explanations.

Choose one answer for each question. Open the solution after answering to see the correct answer and explanation.

10 Questions
0/10 Questions0 %
Correct 0
Incorrect 0
Unanswered 10
1. QuestionMultiple choice

There are 9 apples. You eat 3. How many apples are left?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is 6.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: Take away 3 from 9: 9 - 3 = 6 apples.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 6.

Take away 3 from 9: 9 - 3 = 6 apples.

2. QuestionMultiple choice

There are 12 birds. 5 fly away. How many birds remain?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is 7.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 12 - 5 = 7 birds remain.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 7.

12 - 5 = 7 birds remain.

3. QuestionMultiple choice

Mia has 15 stickers and gives away 6. How many stickers does she have left?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is 9.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 15 take away 6 leaves 9 stickers.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 9.

15 take away 6 leaves 9 stickers.

4. QuestionMultiple choice

A box has 18 crayons. 7 are used. How many crayons are unused?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is 11.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 18 - 7 = 11 crayons are unused.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 11.

18 - 7 = 11 crayons are unused.

5. QuestionMultiple choice

A class has 14 balloons. 5 pop. How many balloons are left?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is 9.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: Subtract the 5 popped balloons: 14 - 5 = 9.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 9.

Subtract the 5 popped balloons: 14 - 5 = 9.

6. QuestionMultiple choice

Leo has 16 blocks and puts 8 away. How many blocks are still out?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is 8.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 16 - 8 = 8 blocks remain out.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 8.

16 - 8 = 8 blocks remain out.

7. QuestionMultiple choice

A shelf holds 20 books. There are 13 books on it. How many spaces are empty?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: C

The correct answer is 7.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 20 - 13 = 7 empty spaces.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 7.

20 - 13 = 7 empty spaces.

8. QuestionMultiple choice

A farmer has 17 eggs and sells 9. How many eggs remain?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: D

The correct answer is 8.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 17 - 9 = 8 eggs remain.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 8.

17 - 9 = 8 eggs remain.

9. QuestionMultiple choice

There are 11 children at the park. 4 go home. How many children stay?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: A

The correct answer is 7.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 11 - 4 = 7 children stay.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 7.

11 - 4 = 7 children stay.

10. QuestionMultiple choice

A jar has 19 buttons. Sam uses 5. How many buttons are left?

Please select an answer first.

Correct answer: B

The correct answer is 14.

  1. Read the equation or story: Identify the starting number and the amount being taken away or compared.
  2. Use a subtraction strategy: 19 - 5 = 14 buttons remain.
  3. Check the difference: The correct choice is 14.

19 - 5 = 14 buttons remain.

Frequently asked questions about Grade 1 subtraction within 20

What does subtraction within 20 mean?

It means finding the difference when one number is taken away from another, with the starting number no greater than 20. Students practice facts such as 14 - 6 and 19 - 9.

How many questions are in each practice test?

Each mini test contains 10 multiple-choice questions. The complete page includes five mini tests and 50 questions in total.

How can a student practice subtraction?

Use counters, drawings, or a number line to show the starting amount and the amount taken away. Students can also use a related addition fact to check the difference.