# Long Subtraction Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/math/long-subtraction/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The long subtraction calculator subtracts one number from another in columns, borrowing where needed, with decimal points aligned.

## Inputs

- Minuend
- Subtrahend

## Results

- Difference
- Column subtraction
- Number of borrows

## Formula

```
Subtract each column from right to left; borrow 10 from the next column when the top digit is smaller
```

## Explanation

Column subtraction with borrowing (regrouping) is the paper method for subtracting multi-digit numbers. 1000 − 1 is a classic test because it needs a chain of borrows.

### How to use the Long Subtraction Calculator

- **Minuend**
- **Subtrahend**

Everything is calculated in your browser, so results appear instantly and nothing you type is sent to a server.

### How it works

The numbers are aligned on their decimal points. If the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit, 10 is borrowed from the column to the left. If the subtrahend is larger, the calculator subtracts the other way round and adds a minus sign.

## Worked example

Inputs — Minuend: 1000; Subtrahend: 1.

Results — **Difference = 999**; Column subtraction = 1000
− 1
──────
999; Number of borrows = 3.

## Key terms

- **Minuend**: The number subtracted from.
- **Subtrahend**: The number subtracted.

## FAQ

**What are the minuend and subtrahend?**
In 1000 − 1, the minuend is 1000 and the subtrahend is 1.

**What is borrowing?**
Taking 1 from the next column to the left, which adds 10 to the current column.

**How do I check a subtraction?**
Add the difference and the subtrahend – you should get the minuend.

**What if the second number is larger?**
The difference is negative.


## Sources

- [OpenStax – Prealgebra 2e](https://openstax.org/details/books/prealgebra-2e)
- [OpenStax – Contemporary Mathematics](https://openstax.org/details/books/contemporary-mathematics)