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Maths · Addition & Subtraction

Column subtraction

Subtract three-digit numbers using the column method, with borrowing.

Not startedCAMBRIDGE · 3CBSE · IIIIB · PYP-3

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What is column subtraction?

Column subtraction means writing numbers one above the other. We line up the ones, tens, and hundreds places. Then we subtract each column, starting from the right.

What does borrowing mean?

Sometimes a digit on top is smaller than the digit below. We borrow one from the next column on the left. That makes the top digit bigger, so we can subtract.

How to borrow

Cross out the digit on the left and write one less. Add ten to the digit you need to make bigger. Now you can subtract that column. Keep going left until finished.

Check your work

You can add your answer to the bottom number. If you get the top number, your subtraction is correct!

Worked examples

  1. 1. 524 – 187

    1. Write 524 on top and 187 below, lining up the columns.
    2. Ones: 4 is smaller than 7, so borrow. The 2 tens becomes 1 ten. The 4 ones becomes 14 ones.
    3. 14 – 7 = 7 ones.
    4. Tens: 1 is smaller than 8, so borrow. The 5 hundreds becomes 4 hundreds. The 1 ten becomes 11 tens.
    5. 11 – 8 = 3 tens.
    6. Hundreds: 4 – 1 = 3 hundreds.
    7. Answer: 337

  2. 2. 612 – 248

    1. Write 612 on top and 248 below.
    2. Ones: 2 is smaller than 8, so borrow. The 1 ten becomes 0 tens. The 2 ones becomes 12 ones.
    3. 12 – 8 = 4 ones.
    4. Tens: 0 is smaller than 4, so borrow. The 6 hundreds becomes 5 hundreds. The 0 tens becomes 10 tens.
    5. 10 – 4 = 6 tens.
    6. Hundreds: 5 – 2 = 3 hundreds.
    7. Answer: 364

  3. 3. 805 – 327

    1. Write 805 on top and 327 below.
    2. Ones: 5 is smaller than 7, so borrow. The 0 tens becomes... wait, it's zero!
    3. Borrow from hundreds first. The 8 hundreds becomes 7 hundreds. The 0 tens becomes 10 tens.
    4. Now borrow from tens. The 10 tens becomes 9 tens. The 5 ones becomes 15 ones.
    5. 15 – 7 = 8 ones. 9 – 2 = 7 tens. 7 – 3 = 4 hundreds.
    6. Answer: 478

Try it yourself

643 – 276

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