Subtract 10: Subtraction Facts
| 11 − 10 = 1 (matching addition: 10 + 1 = 11) |
| 12 − 10 = 2 (matching addition: 10 + 2 = 12) |
| 13 − 10 = 3 (matching addition: 10 + 3 = 13) |
| 14 − 10 = 4 (matching addition: 10 + 4 = 14) |
| 15 − 10 = 5 (matching addition: 10 + 5 = 15) |
| 16 − 10 = 6 (matching addition: 10 + 6 = 16) |
| 17 − 10 = 7 (matching addition: 10 + 7 = 17) |
| 18 − 10 = 8 (matching addition: 10 + 8 = 18) |
| 19 − 10 = 9 (matching addition: 10 + 9 = 19) |
| 20 − 10 = 10 (matching addition: 10 + 10 = 20) |
| 21 − 10 = 11 (matching addition: 10 + 11 = 21) |
| 22 − 10 = 12 (matching addition: 10 + 12 = 22) |
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Subtract 10 is the easiest subtraction family and the best place to teach tens and ones.
The pattern in the answers
The ones digit stays the same and the tens digit goes down by one, so 15 - 10 = 5 and 20 - 10 = 10.
Tip for the subtract 10 facts
Look at the tens digit and drop it by one: 17 - 10 = 7 and 24 - 10 = 14.
The 3 hardest facts
- 19 − 10 = 9 (matching addition: 10 + 9 = 19)
- 20 − 10 = 10 (matching addition: 10 + 10 = 20)
- 22 − 10 = 12 (matching addition: 10 + 12 = 22)
Facts at 20 and above, like 20 - 10 and 22 - 10, change the tens digit across a round number; say '2 tens take away 1 ten'.
Check with addition
Every subtraction fact is an addition fact turned around. Add the answer back to 10 to get the number you started with.
- 1 + 10 = 11, so 11 − 10 = 1
- 2 + 10 = 12, so 12 − 10 = 2
- 3 + 10 = 13, so 13 − 10 = 3
- 4 + 10 = 14, so 14 − 10 = 4
- 5 + 10 = 15, so 15 − 10 = 5
- 6 + 10 = 16, so 16 − 10 = 6
- 7 + 10 = 17, so 17 − 10 = 7
- 8 + 10 = 18, so 18 − 10 = 8
- 9 + 10 = 19, so 19 − 10 = 9
- 10 + 10 = 20, so 20 − 10 = 10
- 11 + 10 = 21, so 21 − 10 = 11
- 12 + 10 = 22, so 22 − 10 = 12
Play the subtract 10 facts game
Untimed by default. A missed fact shows its answer and comes back later in the round.
Printable subtract 10 chart
One US Letter page, clear in black and white.
Quick quiz: subtract 10 facts
10 questions, no timer. At the end you see the score, the facts to practice and a sheet you can print.
Questions parents ask
Why is this the easy family?
Only the tens digit changes, which is a matter of place value. Children don't need counting back or a bridge through ten.
How does subtract 10 help with subtract 9 and 8?
Both are close to ten, so a child can subtract 10 first and then adjust by 1 or 2.