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Long subtraction is the standard elementary-school method of subtracting multi-digit numbers column by column, borrowing from the next column when needed. This tool shows the complete working for any two whole numbers.
How it works
Digits are aligned by place value, and each column (starting from the rightmost, ones place) has the bottom digit subtracted from the top. If the top digit is smaller, 1 is borrowed from the next column to the left before subtracting.
- Enter first number (minuend).
- Enter second number (subtrahend).
- Click Calculate to see your results.
Examples
Subtracting two 4-digit numbers
7002 − 2936: working column by column with borrows gives 4066.
Who should use it
- Elementary school subtraction homework and practice.
- Verifying manual long-subtraction work.
Industry applications
- Education (elementary arithmetic)
Advantages
- Shows every column's working, including all borrows, not just the final answer.
- Handles numbers of different lengths automatically.
Limitations
- Requires the first number to be greater than or equal to the second (no negative results).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting to reduce the next column to the left after borrowing from it, which throws off the rest of the subtraction.
Best practices
- Work strictly right to left, one column at a time, and immediately account for any borrow before moving further left.
Tips
- If your manual answer differs from the tool's, compare column by column against the shown working to find exactly where a borrow was missed or misapplied.