Long Subtraction Calculator

The Long Subtraction Calculator helps you subtract multi-digit numbers step by step, with optional regrouping and borrowing. Whether you’re a student learning subtraction with borrowing, a teacher building math worksheets, or just need clear vertical formatting, this tool gives you accurate results instantly. It’s built for clarity and perfect for breaking down subtraction problems visually.

How to Use:

Enter subtraction problems line-by-line in the Subtraction Problems box. Use the format 604 - 289 or 1000 - 487.

As you type, the calculator updates and flashes the Step-by-Step Output box with the result.

You can customize how it looks and what it explains using the Options:

• Show regrouping reveals where borrowing occurs
• Align vertically stacks digits for column subtraction
• Explain steps adds individual digit subtraction like 4 - 9 = 5 (borrowed)

Click Convert to run it manually or just type to see updates live. Hit Copy to grab your output with one click.

What Long Subtraction Calculator can do:

This calculator walks through subtraction the way it’s taught in school column by column, with regrouping when needed. It breaks down each digit subtraction and shows where borrowing is required.

You can:

• Practice subtraction problems with borrowing
• Format numbers vertically for easier reading
• Automatically handle regrouping for multi-digit values
• Copy clear step-by-step subtraction to your notes or document

It works best for problems where the top number is larger than the bottom (no negatives), and it’s ideal for 2-digit to 5-digit subtraction.

Example:

If you input:

604 - 289  
1000 - 487  
4512 - 2789

With “Show regrouping”, “Align vertically”, and “Explain steps” all turned on, your output might look like this:

6 - 2 = 4  
0 - 8 = 2  
4 - 9 = 5  
Borrow:     ↓ ↓  
Top:        604  
Bottom:     289  
Result:     315

1 - 4 = 7  
0 - 8 = 2  
0 - 7 = 3  
Borrow:     ↓ ↓ ↓  
Top:        1000  
Bottom:     487  
Result:     513

4 - 2 = 2  
5 - 7 = 8  
1 - 8 = 3  
2 - 9 = 3  
Borrow:     ↓ ↓ ↓  
Top:        4512  
Bottom:     2789  
Result:     1723

If you turn off “Explain steps”, the output becomes more compact:

Borrow:     ↓ ↓  
Top:        604  
Bottom:     289  
Result:     315

And with regrouping and alignment turned off, you’ll just get:

315  
513  
1723

This calculator helps break down each subtraction digit-by-digit with optional regrouping visuals ideal for students learning subtraction with borrowing.

Long Subtraction Calculator Table:

This table shows example problems and how the calculator handles each with regrouping and vertical layout.

Common Use Cases:

Perfect for students learning subtraction with regrouping, teachers prepping vertical math problems, or anyone working with large numbers manually. This calculator handles the logic and shows the work. Use it to check homework, print examples, or explain subtraction to someone learning.