Subtracting Fractions

This page contains links to free math worksheets for Fraction Subtraction problems. Click one of the buttons below to see all of the worksheets in each set. You can also use the 'Worksheets' menu on the side of this page to find worksheets on other math topics.

Common Denominator, no whole parts

16 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Fraction subtraction with common denominators and without whole parts.

Common Denominator, no whole parts

Mixed Fractions With Common Denominator

16 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Subtraction of mixed fractions with common denominators.

Mixed Fractions With Common Denominator

Halves, Quarters, Eighths

16 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Subtraction of common fractions with halves and quarters.

Halves, Quarters, Eighths

Different Denominators

24 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

These worksheets worksheets have practice problems for subtracting fractions with different denominators.

Different Denominators

Mixed Fractions With Different Denominator

16 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Subtraction of mixed fractions with different denominators.

Mixed Fractions With Different Denominator

Improper With Same Denominator

16 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Fraction addition with improper fractions.

Improper With Same Denominator

Improper With Different Denominator

16 Subtracting Fractions Worksheets

Improper fraction addition with different denominators

Improper With Different Denominator
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Subtracting fractions, like denominators. Subtract the tops, keep the bottom.

Make your own fraction subtraction worksheet

The problems
to
The sheet
Up to 40, if they fit.
Fewer columns leave more room to write each answer.
Each step on the problem's own line, the way the fraction calculator works it.
Up to 8, each with different problems and its own key.
Title and instructions
Left empty, the sheet is titled "Subtracting Fractions — Like Denominators", as the printed fraction sheets are.
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Printable fraction subtraction worksheet with answer key

Fraction subtraction · proper fractions · same denominators · denominators 2–12 · 10 problems · with worked answer key · name line · border · logo

Print at 100% or Actual size — not “Fit to page”, which shrinks the sheet and makes the measurements wrong.

Fraction subtraction · proper fractions · same denominators · denominators 2–12 · 10 problems · with worked answer key · name line · border · logoUS Letter · print at 100%
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How to Subtract Fractions

Subtracting fractions is similar to adding fractions. Most of the work involves the denominator. If the denominators of the two fractions are already the same, much of the work is done. Simply subtract the two numerators to get the answer fraction using the same denominator, and then reduce and make a proper fraction.

If the two values being subtracted are mixed fractions, it is often easier to turn them into improper fractions to perform the subtraction. This avoids any kind regrouping or borrowing from the minuend fraction if the numerator in the subtrahend is larger.

The steps for subtracting fractions is well illustrated in the fraction calculator at the link below. That page has a more detailed discussion of common denominators, mixed fractions and other topics that may help understand the steps necessary to subtract fractions.