3 Digit Subtraction Games

Need some fun three digit subtraction ideas and activities? Here are some 3 digit subtraction games that help kids learn subtraction while having fun!

Skill: Subtracting 2, 3, and 4 digit numbers

Number of Players: 2

Materials:

• regular deck of playing cards
• 2 pencils
• paper for each player
• calculator

Playing the Game:

1. Shuffle the index cards and stack them face down in middle of players.

2. Both players draw 6 cards from the top of the deck. After drawing the cards, each player arranges their cards to make a 3-digit subtraction problem. The object of the game is to be the player to make the smallest difference from their subtraction problem. (So the top number must be smaller than the bottom number.)

3. After each player arranges their on the table, both players will then write the subtraction problem that their cards show on their paper and perform the subtraction.

4. Players will then trade papers to check each other’s work. The player with the smallest difference (answer) scores one point. If a player gets a subtraction wrong 1 point is deducted from their total.

5. Each player takes 6 more cards and play continues. The first player to score 10 points is the winner!

Subtraction - No borrowing: Are you ready for some online subtraction practice? Here's a 3-digit subtraction quiz no borrowing for you to try.

Subtraction - Borrowing: Now that you've got the subtraction with no borrowing under your belt, let's step it up a notch! See how you do with this 3 digit subtraction with borrowing.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE: Here's a fun game for 2 or more players, or the teacher vs. the entire class. All you need are playing cards, Ace (=1) through 10 (10=0), and the free printable game board for each player.

Is there a need for more practice with the basic subtraction facts? If so, try one of our printable fun math games for kids focusing on subtraction facts.